Three Pathways to Purpose

Our Journey of Hope® includes three key components which can be used to build a cancer-care ministry. Each may be tailored to the specific needs of the congregation.

Component 1: Lay Ministry Training

Our Journey of Hope® offers free lay ministry training, consisting of a day of training and a comprehensive Lay Ministry Training Kit. The training covers the following topics:

Our Journey of Hope® mission, vision and covenant
Scientific research showing the impact of spirituality on health
The faith factor
Cancer - what it is and isn't
CTCA whole-person philosophy of care
Special needs of cancer patients
What to say, what not to say
Prayer and the cancer patient
Fear, anger and control issues
Testimony of cancer survivor
Dos and don'ts of hospital visitation
Creative care tips - meals, housecleaning, cards, hats, helping with children, gifts of recreation or time away, fundraising, etc.
Prevention ideas
Helpful Scriptures
Resource readings
Copy of There's No Place Like Hope by Vickie Girard
Cancer-fighting recipes

Component 2: Speaker Series

Newly-trained lay ministers are encouraged to connect with patients, both inside and outside the church, through mini-seminars the church may request CTCA to provide twice a year. Pastors use the Our Journey of Hope® speaker series to select topics.

Sample speaker topics include:

Foods of the Bible
The Faith Factor
Overcoming Fear
Coping with Anxiety
Who's in Control?
Energizing Your Immune System
Fighting Cancer in Your Kitchen
Enhancement of Health through Laughter
Spirituality and Health

Component 3: Facilitating Communication

CTCA works hard to provide patient updates to pastors and churches. When a congregant visits CTCA for treatments, with his or her permission, we can keep you abreast of their needs and condition. If a congregant is being treated at another facility, we can provide tips for facilitating communication with hospital employees and physicians.

Page URL:

For Spiritual Support, visit www.ourjourneyofhope.com or call 1-888-899-9117

To learn more about cancer treatment options in a spiritually supportive enviroment that are available to you, call 1-800-223-7940 or visit www.cancercenter.com. Oncology Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day.