CARE AT GRACE FELLOWSHIP
Caring for others with the compassion of Christ
Let us come alongside you and your family as you prepare for marriage or a funeral, or as you seek prayer, assistance, counseling, etc.
Resources & SUPPORT
We all experience different seasons in life. Sometimes, we feel like we’re on top of the world, riding the wave of success and happiness. Other times, we experience difficult circumstances, challenges in our relationships, and/or painful transitions. If you find yourself in one of these difficult situations, we’re here to help. Here, you will find help and resources for both care and counseling focused needs.
Connect with a Pastoral Staff Member at Grace
Our ministry team is here to help you by providing a caring, gospel-centered approach to counseling. We do not provide licensed, professional counseling, but we will refer to a pre-approved professional as needed.
Please click your campus below to request counseling with one of our pastoral staff members. You will be contacted by EMAIL within the first 24 hrs of filling out this form (48 hrs over the weekend). This form IS NOT for situations requiring an IMMEDIATE response.
**If you do not attend one of our campuses please click on the campus that is nearest to your home to better serve you.
View a List of Recommended Professional Counselors
If you would like to view our list of recommended professional counselors in the central Ohio area please click below!
Care Group Opportunities
All throughout the year, Grace offers various care-based groups including Divorce Care, Life’s Healing Choices, and GriefShare.
Immediate Assistance
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 available 24 hours a day. You can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741 which is a free 24/7 text line for people in crisis.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988
Other Resources
- Monthly Grief Workshop at Peace UMC (Pickerington, OH) – https://www.livinginthedifferent.com/calendar
- Divorce Care – https://www.divorcecare.org/
- Crisis Help Line – Text the word HOME to 741741 to be connected to a crisis counselor
- Franklin County Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors – https://losscs.org/
- The Refuge – https://therefugeohio.org/
- Jacob’s Recovery House – https://jacobshouserecoverycenter.org/index.html
- Tyler’s Light – https://tylerslight.com/
- Lower Lights – https://llchc.org/behavioral-health/
- The James Cancer Center – https://cancer.osu.edu/for-patients-and-caregivers/support-for-patients-and-caregivers/support-programs/support-groups
- Zangmeister Cancer Center – https://www.zangcenter.com/support/resources-for-patients/advocacy-and-support-groups/
Sex/Porn Addiction
Message Series
- What’s it Gonna Take (drug/alcohol addiction, porn/sex addiction, words, etc) – CLICK HERE
Grace Fellowship is committed to marriage as defined by scripture and to equipping a couple to succeed in this sacred union.
Learn more about…
If you are looking for a pastor from Grace Fellowship to perform your wedding ceremony or if you are interested in using one of our facilities for your wedding, please complete an application for marriage.
To complete an application for marriage, please select the button below for the campus you attend. If you do not attend Grace Fellowship, please select the Pickerington button.
PICKERINGTON THE CHAPEL
JEFFERSON LITHOPOLIS
If you would like to speak to a staff member, please call our office at 614-864-9383.
Please note that our offices are closed on Friday and Saturday.
Voicemail messages will be answered as soon as possible.
For information about having a funeral at one of our campuses or requesting a pastor to officiate a funeral off-site please click the button below to submit a funeral request. A staff member will be in touch as soon as possible.
If you would like to speak to a staff member, please call our office at 614-864-9383. Please note that our offices are closed on Friday and Saturday. Voicemail messages will be answered as soon as possible.
Questions about Memorial Gifts?
Your memorial donation to Grace Fellowship will be used to support our ministries, which help people to meet, follow, and share Jesus. Thank you for this gift that honors your loved one and continues their legacy.
If you would like someone to pray with you in person, our prayer team is available after each weekend service near the stage at every campus.
If you would like to speak to someone about your prayer request you can call our office during our office hours or during one of our weekend services and a pastor or staff member would be happy to pray with you.
Our office phone number is 614-864-9383.
Please note that our offices are closed on Friday and Saturday.
Voicemail messages will be answered as soon as possible.
If you would like to submit your prayer request online use the link below and our prayer team and staff will pray for your needs.
If you or someone you know have a care need and would like a phone call, a visit from a member of our care team, or meals delivered after being hospitalized, please select the button below to fill out a care request for the campus you attend.
PICKERINGTON THE CHAPEL JEFFERSON
If you would like to speak to a staff member, please call our office at 614-864-9383.
Please note that our offices are closed on Friday and Saturday.
Voicemail messages will be answered as soon as possible.
We want to help.
Based upon your situation and need, Grace either offers resources or partners with appropriate organizations.
FINDHELP.ORG
Click the button below to be connected to FindHelp.org, an online resource that allows users to search for resources by their zip code.
*Grace Fellowship cannot be held responsible for services or products obtained through findhelp.org. Some organizations on this site may not align with the biblical beliefs and values of Grace.
GRACE RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Based upon your county, find assistance in your local area by downloading a quick PDF.
TALK TO SOMEONE
- For the best assistance resources in your county, dial 211 to be connected to a representative.
- If you would like to speak to a Grace staff member, please call our office at 614-864-9383. Please note that our offices are closed on Friday and Saturday. Voicemail messages will be answered as soon as possible.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CARE TEAM
If you need help taking the first steps to financial freedom, our Financial Assistance Care Team is available to help you:
- Assess your current situation
- Create a budget
- Regain control of your money
- Pray for you and provide practical action steps
We also offer a class called Financial Peace University each year that will equip you with basic financial information and the tools to manage your money wisely. Please contact us below to find out when the next class will take place.
For more information, please call our office at 614-864-9383 or email office@gracefellowship.cc.
At Grace Fellowship, we want to support the families who attend Grace and are in the process of adopting a child. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, click the button below to begin the adoption assistance request.
Grace Fellowship’s Care Team exists to care for others with the compassion of Christ. If you attend Grace and would like to join one of our Care Teams, click the button to learn more.
Parent Resources
Article
Helping Today’s Anxiety-Filled Kids – click here
Books
Anxious About Nothing – by Max Lucado
Big Feelings, Bigger God: Discovering God’s Care in Good Times & Bad – by Michele Howe
Bible Study
Fear Not: A Bible Study on Quieting Fear & Anxiety with God’s Truth – click here
Podcasts
Family Life Today: Parenting Kids with Anxiety – click here
Articles
Kids and Cyber Bullying – click here
Empowering Your Child to Deal with Bullies – click here
Book
What God’s Word Says about Bullying: The Bible Promise Book for Kids – by Janice Thompson
Blog
How to Help Your Children with Friendships – click here
Podcast
Truth in Love: Parental Responses to Bullying – click here
Article
Tough Conversations with ou Kids – click here
How to Have Difficult Conversations – click here
Podcast
Famous at Home with Dr.Josh + Christi: Having Conversations With Your
Kids About Difficult Cultural Issues – click here
Blog
6 Secrets For Staying Patient & Calm When Your Children Are
Misbehaving – click here
Bible Study
Christ-Centered Parenting – Bible Study Book: Gospel Conversations on
Complex Cultural Issues – click here
Book
Answering Your Kids’ Toughest Questions: Helping Them Understand Loss, Sin, Tragedies, and Other Hard Topics – by Elyse Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson
Books
Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality: A Biblical Approach to Prepare Them for Life – by Jim Burns
God Made All of Me: A Read-Aloud Story to Help Children Protect Their
Bodies – by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb
The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality – by Luke Gilkerson
Conversation Guide
Sexual Integrity – click here
Blog
6 Tips for Moms on Protecting Kids from Pornography – click here
Podcast
Focus on Parenting Podcast: God’s Good Design for Sex – click here
Article
Leading Your Child to Christ – click here
Bible Study
I Have Decided: A Bible Study on Exercising Your Faith – click here
Book
Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build a Lasting Faith – by Natasha Crain
Podcasts
Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast: Evangelism Opportunities for
Kids – click here
Raising Mission-Minded Kids – click here
Book
The Young Peacemaker: Teaching Students to Respond to Conflict in God’s Way – by Corlette Sande
Blog
10 Tips For Intentional Character Training – click here
Podcasts
YOUNG: Conflict Resolution: Parents & Children – click here
Focus on Parenting Podcast: Thoughts for Handling Conflict – click here
Article
Focus on the Family: Conflict Resolution Skills for Kids – click here
Books
For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-
Outs – by Sara Wallace
Child Proof: Parenting by Faith Not Formula – by Julie Lowe
Podcast
Grace In Discipline – click here
Article
Five Characteristics of Biblical Discipline – click here
Blog
How to Discipline Children with Love: Tips for Christian Parents – click here
As parents, when chaos and confusion erupt, our immediate thoughts are typically:
Is my kid ok? How are my children translating these events? Should I raise the subject? If so, how do I go about it?
And, "How can I respond without further confusing or traumatizing them?
Navigating difficult terrain is all part of the parenting journey. It will never be easy. But in a crisis, it is mission-critical to help kids make sense of what’s happening and manage any anxiety they may be experiencing.
6 tips to help:
While we trust that this information will be helpful in your conversations, please know that this is not a full-proof script, nor will it answer 100% of the questions or topics that could come up. These are helpful prompts and can lead to healthy conversations.
Resources and information from Parent Cue
1. PRAY
Sometimes situations and emotions feel bigger than us. In those moments, it’s always a great idea to pray. Spend time encouraging your student to pray, and model to them what that looks like by praying with them.
As you process through the following steps, take time to pray before, during, and after. Pray also for the situation, your student, and others impacted. Pray for peace, wisdom, and the ability to be light in dark times.
If your child’s anxiety doesn’t improve or seems to worsen, seek help.
2. INITIATE THE DISCUSSION
When faced with speaking to kids about a tragic event, the tendency for most parents is to distract, avoid, or get that deer-caught-in-the-headlights look.
Broaching difficult subjects can be challenging for parents who fear that talking about sad things might cause unnecessary harm, but studies indicate the opposite.
Research suggests that in the wake of a traumatizing event, talking to your kids helps them to feel safe. Hearing about or witnessing frightening images and scenes, and not addressing it may cause additional anxiety for kids. So, it’s best to initiate the topic because, chances are, they have already overheard some conversations and may be confused.
In teaching your kids about the world (as scary as it is), you become a trusted source for information and help them cultivate tools needed to become critical thinkers.
3. RESPOND IN DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE WAYS.
Navigating complicated topics such as violence and suicide can be tricky, particularly when speaking to younger kids. Knowledge of your kids’ maturity level, temperament, and how they perceive the world, will serve as your guide.
Your student may have lots of thoughts and questions. Answer honestly. And listen earnestly to what they say no matter how mundane or off-topic. At any age, keep in mind that kids who are highly sensitive will have a tough time absorbing distressing information and may feel a degree of burden. So, use your best judgment and take your cues from your child.
Consider the drip method – just a little bit at a time. Discontinue if you notice an increase in distress.
In preparation for these conversations, here are some potential prompts:
- What do you know/think/feel about what’s happened?
- What are your friends saying about this situation
- This must have been very scary for you. I was scared too. Do you want to talk about it?
- What are some things we can do as a family to help you feel safer?
- That’s a really good question. I don’t know the answer. Maybe we can find out together.
As unpleasant as it might initially be, having difficult conversations with our kids offers a unique opportunity for important discussions. As you share, remember to avoid negatively labeling people, only label behaviors. Emphasize any acts of heroism and how the event is being addressed, either through investigations or preventative measures.
4. ENCOURAGE THE EXPRESSION OF FEAR
When your student experiences or learns about a tragic event, it’s normal for him or her to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and fearful.
Fear is an intense human emotion. At the heart of fear is a strong desire to avoid any perceived threat to safety. As parents, we have the awesome ability to offer safety.
- Utilize a calm vocal tone and soft facial expressions to help bring calm to your kids’ nervous system.
- Encourage them to share their unpleasant feelings.
- Validate those feelings to create emotional safety.
Initially, they may be reluctant to share, but let them know you are available when they are ready.
Encourage your kids to take their biggest worries and fears to God – their fiercest protector!
Depending on the nature of the event, you may also feel unsettled. Kids are sensitive to their parents’ anxieties, which can intensify their own. If your anger or fear becomes overwhelming, postpone the conversation and connect with your own support system.
5. LIMIT MEDIA EXPOSURE
Experts are clear. The best person to deliver difficult news to kids is a trusted adult. But in the age of the 24-hour social media use and non-stop phone notifications, our kids often hear stories before we do.
This can be problematic as news delivery has increasingly become sensationalized. An overconsumption of media following a tragic event is linked with increased anxiety.
Limit media and refrain from watching the news coverage or scrolling through social media before bed. Instead
- encourage your student to listen to soft music
- read a funny book or novel
- do breathing exercises (breathe in slowly, count to three, then exhale to a count of three)
6. MAINTAIN ROUTINES AND MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES
Following a crisis, individuals who fare well become laser-focused on the things that matter. Deviating from what is familiar can generate increased anxiety. Maintaining family routines creates a feeling of safety. Engaging in meaningful family activities enhances feelings of stability and improves family bonding.
Following a scary event, all humans, no matter the age, benefit from reassuring words, comfort food, and extra cuddles.
While parenting in the midst of chaos is never guaranteed to be 100% successful, the chances of success are greatly improved when we lean on the support of others.
BIBLICAL SUPPORT
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Podcasts
- Pardon the Mess with Courtney Defeo
- Courageous Parenting with Isaac and Angie Toplin
- Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast
Books
- The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
- Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
- Parenting by Paul David Tripp
- Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud
- Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch
- Fearless Parenting by Sarah Blount
Blogs
- Not Consumed
- Just Homemaking
- The Character Corner
- Graceful Abandon