Mental/emotional health is an issue for many people. It’s often a challenge to navigate the trials and tribulations thrown our way in life. Jesus told us 2,000 years ago that we would have troubles, and he was right. If we are fortunate, we can handle the “speed bumps” life provides, but sometimes we can feel stuck and alone. This is where facilitated support groups can be helpful. The primary goal of these groups is to provide a place where people can be themselves and have real, honest conversations.

These groups are not a classroom or clinic: we’re not here to teach or fix each other. In these groups, everyone is respected and valued for who they are, right where they are. We aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a safe space in our church for people to openly discuss it. Our mental health initiative is part of one of our church care ministries under Pastor Bob Parr.

All of our groups have been designed by Anchor International, an organization with the sole purpose of equipping churches just like ours to host support groups for both adults and teens. We have successfully launched several groups so far, including two mixed adult Overcome groups, one group geared towards moms, called Fierce Love, and two student Fearless groups.

For Fall 2025, the in-person Wellness Groups will begin meeting on 7 September, during the 2nd Church Service (10:45). All in-person groups will meet in the Student Center. We will be offering a Men’s Overcome Group, a Women’s Overcome Group, and both Middle School and High School Fearless Groups. Additionally, Crosswater will be providing a Men’s Overcome online virtual group that meets at 7:00 pm on Thursday evenings.

The groups will meet for eight weeks. Each meeting is ~60 minutes.

Yes, group facilitators receive both training from Anchor International as well as training here at the Crosswater Community Church, led by a mental health professional.

Virtually anyone can benefit. Anyone who wants to grow in mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The goal is to provide a sense of belonging as participants build relationships, gain tools for wellness, and deepen their faith. Our Wellness Groups are a place for acceptance vs. rejection.

No, the groups are not intended to replace professional counseling. Individuals currently in counseling are encouraged to continue with their individual counseling program. These support groups can be viewed as supplemental resources that can be very helpful.

There is a structure that each session follows. All groups start and end with prayer. Adult programs include discussion on what are called Anchors of Wellness, including being anchored in Christ, anchored in Community, anchored in Purpose, anchored in Self-Care, anchored in Support, and anchored in Wisdom. Participants have the opportunity to explore healthy relationships, being willing to ask for help, and understanding that we are made in God’s image, with value and worth. Scripture is included in each week’s discussion. The last session of the group focuses on serving others.

The student program, called Fearless, also includes prayer and relevant scripture as students discuss weekly topics including identity, managing anxiety, mindfulness, self-care, healthy boundaries and relationships, and learning the importance of advocating for themselves by identifying their needs and putting the right tools and people in place to help. Similar to the adult programs, the last week of the student program focuses on using our gifts to help others.

All programs provide an opportunity for participants to share their challenges to the degree they wish to share. They are coached in advance to avoid sharing details of violence, trauma, and harmful behavior as these may be triggering to other participants.

No.

All groups will be announced in the Upcoming Events tab on the church website. You can also find the links to sign up above with the group descriptions. We anticipate starting both teen, men’s and women’s groups in September 2025.