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How to Start a Cancer Support Group

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

By sharing Biblical truths and principles, a support group can provide encouragement for women with cancer during a very difficult and confusing time.

Through a support group, women with cancer find:

• spiritual care
• opportunities for sharing our experiences and our journey
• information on issues relating to cancer and its treatment

Meetings
We suggest a monthly meeting of about two hours.  Try keep an eye on the clock since guests in attendance usually suffer from extreme fatigue.

Preparation

• Develop a name and phone number list and have a volunteer call to remind guests of the meeting.
  
  
• Advertize in a community events column, on television, radio or in the local newspaper.
  
  
• Choose one person to lead a devotional time, preferably a cancer survivor.
  
  
• Ask specific volunteers to bring refreshments.
  
  
• Choose an interesting speaker to talk for a maximum of thirty minutes.  Speakers may include nurses who have dealt with cancer victims, naturopaths, testimonies by cancer victims or stories of how God has helped through this difficult time.
  
  
• Have a liaison person arrange rides for those who need assistance.
  
  
• Organize and plan the preparation of meals for those in treatment.

Suggested Agenda for the Evening

1. Mingle:  Start with a relaxed, casual and social time, offering coffee and dessert.
   
   
2. Speaker:  After the speaker's address, follow with a short question and answer session.
   
   
3. Devotion:  Have a short time of devotion, including for example the reading of a Psalm, the sharing of a story or singing.  Ensure that the devotional time does not require any preliminary preparation by the guests.
   
   
4. Prayer:  Be sure to provide a basket for prayer requests for those who do not wish to share openly.  Also, try and stick to short-sentence, conversational prayer.
   
   
5. Wrap Up:  Announce the date, time and location of the next meeting.  Close the meeting on time.  Those who wish to linger a while longer, may do so, but make sure those who want to leave know that the meeting is officially over.

General Notes

• Ultimately, try and be flexible.  If someone is in crisis and needs to share with the group, be accommodating and change the schedule.
  
  
• Some groups prefer to have only a social meeting with a time to share and get to know other guests.
  
  
• Attendance changes frequently.
  
  
• This format can be adapted for use in the community or in the local church.

If you'd like to know more about starting a group, email us and we'll put you in touch with women who have started support groups of their own and can answer questions and offer advice.

Related Reading:
Cancer without fear
Experience Holy Spirit living
Need advice? Ask us.