An important part of the United Church of God is its Focused Education Programs. What are these programs, and why are they important? In the summer of 1996, one year after the United Church of God was established, the Council of Elders passed this resolution:

“Whereas the Church recognizes that modern society is plagued with various social ills and that many of those who have been called into the fellowship of the Church have been affected by such problems as substance abuse, sexual abuse, homosexuality, dysfunctional behaviors and related marriage and family issues, and, whereas, it is the Church’s responsibility to minister to the needs of the people, now therefore, it is resolved, that, to meet these special needs, the Education Committee shall:

1) Develop educational materials addressing these issues for the ministry and membership, 2) Conduct seminars for ministers and members regarding various aspects of focused education, 3) Assist those who desire to establish support groups to help those with special needs. These groups would not replace outside groups, but would complement them.”

I was a member of the Council of Elders and on the education committee at that time. We decided to call these programs focused education because they focused on specific issues needing special attention. We recognized the need for qualified and experienced ministers and members who have overcome problems themselves, to help others struggling with serious personal problems. This help within the Church is not to replace the need, whenever necessary, for appropriate help from trained and experienced health care professionals who may not be in the Church.

Let’s look at what God’s Word says about the importance of helping others overcome personal problems and grow spiritually. Here is what Jesus Christ said and did: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4: 18). Notice that Jesus said He was sent “to heal the brokenhearted,” “to preach deliverance” and “recovery” and “to set at liberty.” He certainly did heal many people of many afflictions and addictions to sin. This was part of His ministry and part of the gospel message. It must be part of ours as well.

Notice what the apostle Paul said we should do in striving to help others overcome and grow spiritually—“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6: 1-2). Paul, following Christ’s teaching and example, said we are to “bear one another’s burdens”—to encourage, support and help one another overcome no matter what the problem.

And look at what James wrote about this: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much much…Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:16, 19-20). Peter explained this when he said, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). God’s love working in us can make a huge difference in the lives of others. We can make a powerful and positive difference in the lives of others if we are motivated by God’s love and a spirit of humility.

This is what focused education is all about. It is about working together in the Church to develop teams of members who have understanding and experience in various issues, and who have a strong desire to help others. Please read (or re-read) the article by Don Hooser in the December 2011 issue of United News titled “Breaking Free Website Offers Hope and Help.” His article explains more about focused education programs and what you can do to help yourself and others overcome and grow spiritually.