USA (MNN) – According to Barna Research, only 4% of Americans have a Christian worldview. Set Free Ministries sees this as the main underlying struggle plaguing those who come to them with anxiety, low self-esteem and more.
Identifying the Struggles
Dean Vander Mey with Set Free Ministries says, “It’s no small wonder in the environment that we are currently in. The way the world is heading right now, it’s creating a lot of anxiety and fear and low self-esteem.”
The top five issues identified by people who come to Set Free Ministries are anxiety, low self-esteem, satisfaction in relationships, uncontrolled behaviors, and fear. Vander Mey says that much of this is fueled by constant access to news as well as social media.
“They’re conditioned to be on these phones all the time. All they are doing is comparing themselves to others, and they’re falling short. Then they’re dissatisfied. So there’s a lot of dissatisfaction and a lot of anxiety that’s created because of comparison.”
While these symptoms are distressing, the deeper struggle with worldview poses bigger concerns. For instance, the constant intake of bad news rather than focusing on God and His truth can manifest as anxiety. However, the root problem is a misunderstanding of God’s sovereignty which affects all understanding of life.
Similarly, pursing relationships primarily with other sinners can manifest as depression since people often compare themselves in relationships. Pursuing a relationship with God first would help put this problem at bay.
So what can be done?
When people sign up for a freedom appointment, counselors use a version of Marcus Warner’s FISH model to help bring freedom. FISH stands for Freedom, Identity, Spirit-focused living, and Heart-focused living. This model helps participants remove barriers with God, understand what God says about them, live by the power of the Spirit, and continue to grow in ministry groups.
(Photo courtesy of Anemone123 from Pixabay)
It doesn’t just sound like a good model, it’s consistently bringing healing. Vander Mey says, “It’s getting a lot of traction, and people are hearing from all over the world what’s going on with the people that have come through the ministry. So the fruit is real, and God is doing something rather miraculous here, after 30 years of ministry.”
There are several ways to get involved with Set Free Ministries from supporting them financially to setting up a freedom appointment. Whole churches can also be trained to follow this model.
If you’d like to pursue freedom in your life, please fill out the online form at setfreemin.org and book a freedom appointment. Vander Mey says they also always need prayer and financial support. Please consider joining their prayer team by contacting them directly. If you want to support the ministry financially click here.
Photo courtesy of Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
