Find Support
God never promises life will be perfect. In fact, He tells us that in this life, we will have struggles. But take heart, for I have overcome the world! (John 16:33) If you find yourself wrestling with life, you’re not alone! And we want to help you take your next steps toward healing.
This is a new offering at Epic, and we’ll be adding more resources over the coming weeks. If you need help with something you don’t see on this list, you can reach out to care@theepicchurch.com.
Please Note: For some sections, we list steps to help you get started on your healing journey. This is not a treatment plan and should not be used as a substitute for professional care.
Abuse
Online Resources
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
Call 24/7: 800.799.SAFE (7233)
A 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
Allender Center: Healing from Sexual Abuse (Audio Series)
https://theallendercenter.org/healing-from-sexual-abuse/
A free online audio series from Christian psychologist Dr. Dan Allender focused on healing and recovery from sexual abuse.
Hope for the Heart
https://www.hopefortheheart.org/explore/freeresources
Free faith-based resources for overcoming deep wounds in life. Includes a guide for sexual abuse recovery.
MinistrySafe
https://ministrysafe.com/hopehealing/
An extensive list of online resources related to domestic violence and abuse recovery.
Local Resources
Family Life Center
Provides compassionate support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence through advocacy, crisis intervention, and community awareness in Flagler and Volusia Counties.
Better Together
https://bettertogetherus.org/regions/northeast/
Provides host families, mentors, and work opportunities, ensuring stability and that Christ’s love is shared.t
Social Services Directory
A comprehensive list of social service resources in our community.
Books
Love is a Choice by Drs. Robert Hemfelt, Frank Minirth, and Paul Meier
For anyone needing to let go of unhealthy relationships.
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
For anyone looking to find strength in the midst of struggle, pain, and trauma.
The Wounded Heart by Dr. Dan Allender
For those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and those who love and care for them.
Take Action
Even in the darkest parts of life, there is hope! Whether you’re in an abusive situation now or recovering from one in the past, you don’t have to fight this alone. Take a step toward healing today.
- Get to Safety: If you or a loved one are in danger right now, call 911 immediately. If you’re able to safely remove yourself from an unhealthy situation, seek shelter at a local center. In Flagler County, Family Life Center is available 24/7 at 386-437-3505.
- Protect Your Family: If you have kids or need protection for yourself, there are safe options available. Consider seeking shelter from a local domestic violence center, such Family Life Center in Flagler County. If you have kids, consider partnering with someone like BetterTogether to help you navigate this season. BetterTogether partners with families by providing mentoring, supplies, help finding jobs, and more. You can contact them 24/7 at (239) 470-2733.
- Talk to Someone: Find a trusted friend or loved one who can help you find safety and navigate this situation. Ask them to walk alongside you as you move through these next steps.
- Build Stability: If you suddenly find yourself without income, there are many community partners who can help you build a sustainable future for your family. BetterTogether offers job coaching to help you find employment that works for you and your family. Flagler Cares and Family Life Center can also help support you in this season. If you need help finding other community support, check the Social Services Directory or reach out to us for help navigating this.
- Consider Counseling: Navigating abuse recovery is something you don’t have to go through alone. A counselor can help you understand your experiences and build resiliency to find hope in the aftermath of struggle. You can find a list of vetted counselors on our website. You can also reach out to us and we’d be happy to help you find someone. If you can’t afford counseling, Epic Church can help cover the cost.
- Establish Boundaries: Identify what you need to feel safe. Maintain as much distance as possible from the person who hurt you, and cut off all communications if possible. Work with a counselor or trusted ally to identify and establish healthy boundaries to protect yourself from future harm.
Addiction
Online Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous
Community support groups and resources for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
Narcotics Anonymous
Community support groups and resources for those struggling with drug addiction.
SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery
Government-established resources for addiction recovery.
Local Resources
Celebrate Recovery Flagler
Email: mmrafte@yahoo.com
A Christ-centered program helping people find freedom from hurts, hang-ups, and habits through Eight Biblical Principles and the power of Jesus Christ.
Social Services Directory
A comprehensive list of social service resources in Flagler County.
Books
Can I Say That? by Brenna Blain
For anyone with questions for God or looking to understand the intersection of suffering and faith.
Unwanted by Jay Stringer
For anyone struggling with unwanted sexual behavior.
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
For anyone looking to find strength in the midst of struggle, pain, and trauma.
Take Action
Addiction is often a symptom of a bigger problem. At the core, it’s rooted in trying to fill a void that only God can fill. As you begin your journey, seek out people, places, and tools that can help you identify and uproot these core struggles.
- Recognize & Admit: It’s important to recognize and admit to your powerlessness over dependency. The Bible tells us that we can bring everything about ourselves and our struggles to God in prayer (1 John 5:14-15). In fact, he wants us to bring our sin before Him. And best of all, He’s already covered the cost of your sins (1 John 4:9)! So bring your whole self, addiction and all, to the feet of Jesus and simply tell him your struggles. He’s waiting with open arms.
- Tell a Friend: Work toward admitting your struggles to at least one trusted friend. Bring others in to challenge and check in on you as you heal and recover. Try to find someone who can help you take action and develop a plan for the future.
- Remove Temptation: Distance yourself from anything that draws you back into your addictive patterns. Cut all ties with dealers, get rid of any substances you still have, and work to identify ways you can distance yourself from your addictive tendencies.
- Consider a Rehabilitation Program: There are several live-in programs that may be able to help you work through your struggles with addiction. If you feel alone or find yourself relapsing often, think about enrolling in some form of rehab. There are several local options, ranging from sober living communities to full live-in rehabilitation.
- Start Counseling: Begin your journey with a trusted partner, one who can help you identify and tend to the deep-rooted wounds feeding your addictive behavior. If you need help finding a counselor, reach out to us or check out our vetting list.
- Find a Group: Get connected with a local NA, AA, Celebrate Recovery, or another Community Group. We aren’t meant to struggle alone, and being surrounded by people who share an understanding for your struggles can be extremely valuable.
- Identify Triggers: Start making a list of the things that trigger your desire to use substances. Look for the core emotions and beliefs that are triggered. The four primary emotional triggers for addictive behavior are pain, purposelessness, anger, and shame. Identify the moments and experiences in your present life that elicits triggers like these and challenge these thoughts as they arise.
- Keep a Journal: The use of substances is often a way for us to numb the deep emotional turbulence within us. One way to combat this urge is to build up your own set of tools for dealing with heavy burdens. Journaling is a great way to take emotions that are building up inside of us and put them somewhere outside our bodies.
Codependency
Online Resources
Focus on the Family
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/codependency-what-is-it/
A guide to understanding codependency and breaking its cycle in your life.
Local Resources
Celebrate Recovery Flagler
Email: mmrafte@yahoo.com
A Christ-centered program helping people find freedom from hurts, hang-ups, and habits through Eight Biblical Principles and the power of Jesus Christ.
Epic Church Care Network
https://theepicchurch.com/care
Find support in life’s most challenging moments. We can help connect you with counseling, navigating difficult seasons, or finding support from other community resources.
Books
Love is a Choice by Drs. Robert Hemfelt, Frank Minirth, and Paul Meier
For anyone needing to let go of unhealthy relationships.
7 Desires by Mark and Debbie Laaser
An exploration of the 7 core desires shared by all humans and how to fulfill them.
Unwanted by Jay Stringer
For anyone struggling with unwanted sexual behavior or struggling to understand unwanted desires.
Take Action
Codependency is similar to addiction in a lot of ways, but in this case, it’s addiction to people (often one specific person). It takes an adaptive part of ourselves (the desire to care for people) and distorts it in such a way that it ends up hurting us. If you find yourself constantly helping people at the detriment of yourself, or if your sense of wellbeing relies on someone else being tended to, you may be experiencing codependency.
- Assess & Admit: It’s important to explore your tendencies to find out if you truly are acting out of codependency. Spend some time researching online or reading books on codependency to determine if this is truly something you’re wrestling with. And if you are, start by going to God with your struggles and asking for His help as you work to change this behavior.
- Confront Your Struggles: Behind much of our behavior is a belief about ourselves. Maybe you believe that you won’t be able to find love if you don’t behave a certain way. Maybe you feel unworthy of other peoples’ care. Whatever the case, you need to start by confronting what lies beneath. Start by asking, “What emotions lead to my codependent behavior?”. Then, “Where does that emotion live in my body?”. Next, ask “What does this emotion say about me?” (Try to come with an “I am...” statement). Finally, ask yourself, “When did this belief first show up and why?”. We can’t face our struggles unless we’re willing to identify them.
- Identify the Consequences: How is your codependent behavior affecting you today? When did it stop serving you well? Make a list of all the ways you and others are negatively impacted by this behavior.
- Find an Ally: Identify someone who you can trust with your emotions. Tell them about your struggles with codependency and ask them to help you identify areas where you’ve fallen into problematic relationships.
- Consider Counseling: Begin your journey with a trusted partner, one who can help you identify and tend to the deep-rooted wounds feeding your codependent behavior. If you need help finding a counselor, reach out to us or check out our vetting list.
- Confront Unhealthy Relationships: If you find yourself in any relationships where your codependency is being taken advantage of, call it out. If it’s safe to do so, confront the person with whom you have the unhealthy relationship and work to set boundaries with them. If you’re in an unsafe situation, remove yourself immediately and cut off all contact.
- Identify Triggers: Start making a list of the things that trigger your desire to overly absorb yourself into a relationship. Look for the core emotions and beliefs that are triggered. The four primary emotional triggers for addictive behavior are pain, purposelessness, anger, and shame. Identify the moments and experiences in your present life that elicits triggers like these and challenge these thoughts as they arise.
- Keep a Journal: Codependent behavior is often a way for us to outsource or avoid the deep emotional turbulence within us. One way to combat this urge is to build up your own set of tools for dealing with heavy burdens. Journaling is a great way to take emotions that are building up inside of us and put them somewhere outside our bodies.
Forgiveness
Online Resources
Cru: How to Forgive Others the Way God Forgives Us
https://www.cru.org/us/en/blog/life-and-relationships/hardships/forgiven-much.html
An article exploring God’s heart of forgiveness with practical insight for how we live today.
Mental Health Grace Alliance
https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/
A Christ-centered approach to mental wellness centered on grace.
Epic Church: Unoffended Message
https://www.youtube.com/live/vxbcj0VTuGo?si=bilYxWvsWnzxHRGm
A message on how to live our lives unoffended and on fire for God!
Baylor University
https://ifl.web.baylor.edu/media-and-resources/christian-reflection-project/forgiveness
Local Resources
Epic Church Care Network
https://theepicchurch.com/care
Find support in life’s most challenging moments. We can help connect you with counseling, navigating difficult seasons, or finding support from other community resources.
Books
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
Discover wow to move on, make eeace with painful memories, and create a life that’s beautiful again.
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
For anyone looking to find strength in the midst of struggle, pain, and trauma.
Unoffendable by Brant Hansen
A radical exploration of the Biblical call to forgiveness in all things.
Fostering & Adoption
Online Resources
WaitNoMore
Faith-based resources and support for anyone caring for kids in the foster/adoption space.
Local Resources
Better Together
https://bettertogetherus.org/regions/northeast/
Provides host families, mentors, and work opportunities, ensuring stability and that Christ’s love is shared.
Books
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
Practical strategies and insights for working with the developing brains of children.
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
Tools for working with kids’ brains and becoming resilient parents.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
A deep exploration of trauma and its impact on the body.
Note: This book is written very academically and discusses a wide range of heavy topics. It may be difficult for some readers.
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
For anyone looking to find strength in the midst of struggle, pain, and trauma.
Grief
Online Resources
Focus on the Family
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/resources-grief-loss/
A list of resources focused on grief recovery.
Hope Gathering (For Widows)
https://www.hopegathering.org/
Provides support groups, conferences, and care boxes for women who have lost their husbands.
ChildLoss Foundation
https://www.childlossfoundation.org/resources
Resources, support, and retreats for parents grieving the loss of a child.
Local Resources
GriefShare Groups
A safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. GriefShare is offered yearly through Epic’s Care Ministry, and other local groups are available as well.
Books
I’ve Seen the End of You by W. Lee Warren
For anyone struggling to see God in the face of grief.
Take Action
Grief is not a linear “one-size-fits-all situation”. Each experience comes with its own weights and challenges. But in the midst of those experiences are some core struggles and a strong need for support from those around you. Here are some steps that may help you navigate this journey:
- Take Time to Grieve: Often, after a loss, we are tempted to keep ourselves busy to avoid the pain. Whenever you’re able, give yourself permission to simply sit with your grief. Take time to do things that restore your energy.
- Invite Someone In: Find a trusted friend, family member, or mentor who can walk alongside you in this journey. No one will ever perfectly understand your pain, but we can allow others to be by our side as we navigate it. Find someone who isn’t afraid to go deep.
- Make a Plan: There are several things that have to happen after somebody passes away, such as funeral planning and estate management. Invite your loved ones, church, or other community organizations in to help you make a plan to navigate any next steps. Churches are able to help plan funerals and make arrangements with families. Epic Church would be honored to walk alongside you in this process.
- Find a Group: As you navigate grief, seek out support from others who are struggling with loss. GriefShare is a great place to start. It’s a 13-week, faith-based (though anyone is welcome to participate) program for anyone experiencing grief. Other groups include Hope Gathering for widows or Al-Anon for people affected by a loved one’s addiction.
- Honor the Loss: Find a way to memorialize your loved one and honor the impact they had on your life. There are so many ways you can do this, and none are better than any others. Some ideas include creating a scrapbook, starting a journal of stories about them, or decorating a picture frame with memorabilia.
- Practice Processing: As memories and grief surface in your life, make a habit of processing them externally. There are several ways you can do this. You might try journaling, recording voice memos, or simply talking out loud.
- Consider Counseling: If you find yourself stuck in a loop or feeling burdened by the weight of your loss, counseling is an excellent resource. Counselors are trained to help navigate emotional recovery from many things in life, including grief. You can find a list of vetted Christian counselors in Flagler County on our website, and if you’d like help selecting one, we would be honored to help you.
Homelessness
Online Resources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
https://www.hhs.gov/programs/social-services/homelessness/resources/index.html
A Christ-centered approach to mental wellness centered on grace.
Local Resources
The Sheltering Tree
https://flaglershelteringtree.com/
Resources for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing. Offers food, clothing, connections to free bicycles, and help applying for social services every Tuesday from 10 am - 1 pm. Hosts a cold weather shelter whenever NOAA predicts 40º or lower overnight. Find their location and more on the Sheltering Tree website.
Flagler Cares
https://www.flaglercares.org/stability/
Focuses on housing and financial stability as the foundation of community health. They currently have several programs to assist Flagler residents on their pathway to stability.
Social Services Directory
A comprehensive list of social service resources in our community.
Marriage
Online Resources
Family Life
Online marriage resources and tools.
Weekend to Remember
https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/
A weekend conference focused on uplifting marriages and restoring lasting connection.
The Gospel Coalition
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/topics/marriage/
Videos and Christ-centered resources for building a healthy marriage.
The Connected Life Podcast
https://justinandabi.com/the-connected-life/
A thought-provoking conversation about all the beautiful and messy ups and downs of life.
Local Resources
Epic Church Care Network
https://theepicchurch.com/care
Find support in life’s most challenging moments. We can help connect you with counseling, navigating difficult seasons, or finding support from other community resources.
Books
7 Desires by Debra Laaser and Dr Mark Laaser
By examining the seven desires we all share, Mark and Debra Laaser illustrate how men and women are actually more alike than different.
Vertical Marriage by Dave Wilson and Ann Wilson
Written in a highly relatable dialogue between both husband and wife, Vertical Marriage will guide you toward building a vibrant relationship at every level.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, physical touching - learning these love languages will get your marriage off to a great start or enhance a long-standing one!
Mental Health
Online Resources
Mental Health Resource Guide
A guide for navigating mental health challenges informed by both psychology and a Biblical perspective.
Mental Health Grace Alliance
https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/
A free, proven, Christ-centered approach to mental wellness.
Local Resources
Stewart Marchman Act Centers
Providing behavioral healthcare to individuals living with addiction, mental illness or both throughout Florida.
Epic Church Care Network
https://theepicchurch.com/care
Find support in life’s most challenging moments. We can help connect you with counseling, navigating difficult seasons, or finding support from other community resources.
Books
Can I Say That? by Brenna Blain
For anyone with questions for God or looking to understand the intersection of suffering and faith.
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
For anyone looking to find strength in the midst of struggle, pain, and trauma.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
A deep exploration of trauma and its impact on the body.
Note: This book is written very academically and discusses a wide range of heavy topics. It may be difficult for some readers.
Take Action
Mental health plays in important role in our ability to function in daily life. If you have a mental health diagnosis or believe you may need one, it’s important to seek help with a licensed professional. We know this process can be complex and we’re here for you if you need any help navigating it!
- Make Sure You’re Safe: If you believe you’re at risk of hurting yourself or someone else, tell someone immediately. If you’re in imminent danger, call 911. If you are contemplating suicide or self-harm and are not an active threat to yourself or someone else, you can reach then national suicide hotline by calling 988.
- Pray: Take a deep breath, pause, and turn to God. Ask Him for wisdom, direction, and discernment as you determine your next steps. Many mental health conditions can lead us to believing lies, feeling like we don’t belong, or difficulties determining what is real and what is not. Ask God for guidance as you navigate.
- Find an Advocate: We aren’t meant to do life alone. Find a trusted friend or ally who can walk this journey with you. This could be a spouse, parent, friend, sibling...Anyone you trust to help you decipher truth from lies and good from bad. Start by telling them exactly how you are struggling and ask if they can walk alongside you as you seek care.
- Seek Assessment: If you haven’t already, connect with a professional clinician who can help you assess your mental health and determine a treatment plan. A great place to start is your primary care doctor, who can help you with diagnosis and referrals. In Florida, mental health diagnoses can be given by medical doctors, licensed psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed clinical social workers. For a comprehensive assessment, consider a neuropsychological evaluation with either a licensed psychologist or a licensed psychiatrist. If you need help finding someone, our Epic Care Team can help.
- Determine a Treatment Plan: A professional counselor or care provider can help you determine a course of action for treating a mental health condition. They can even work with your primary care provider to make sure all aspects of your wellbeing are attended to. Treatment may include medication, professional counseling, or other modes of care.
- Seek Spiritual Guidance: Pastors, pastoral counselors, and mentors are great resources as you assess and work on your spiritual wellbeing. Mental illness often has a spiritual component or can benefit from spiritual direction as part of your healing. Epic offers pastoral care and can help you navigate this aspect of your healing journey.
Parenting
Online Resources
Family Life
https://www.familylife.com/category/articles/topics/parenting/
Online marriage resources and tools.
Christian Parenting
https://www.christianparenting.org/
Podcasts, articles, and resources for raising kids who love, know, and follow Jesus!
Mental Health Grace Alliance | Family Grace
https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/family-marriage
A curriculum and group for couples/families to navigate mental health challenges with new strengths and tools
Child Discipleship
https://childdiscipleship.com/
Resources for raising and discipling your children from AWANA.
Local Resources
Epic Church Care Network
https://theepicchurch.com/care
Find support in life’s most challenging moments. We can help connect you with counseling, navigating difficult seasons, or finding support from other community resources.
Books
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
A practical guide to resilient parenting prioritizing connection over correction.
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
Explores 14 practical and gospel-centered principles that will help parents see their role through the lens of God's Word and change the way they interact with their children.
Suicide
If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you are not alone. You can call or text the National Suicide Lifeline any time at 988.
Online Resources
988 Lifeline
Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.
QPR Institute
Training and resources for anyone supporting those struggling with suicide.
Mental Health Resource Guide
A guide for navigating mental health challenges informed by both psychology and a Biblical perspective.
Local Resources
Stewart Marchman Act Centers
Providing behavioral healthcare to individuals living with addiction, mental illness or both throughout Florida.
Epic Church Care Network
https://theepicchurch.com/care
Find support in life’s most challenging moments. We can help connect you with counseling, navigating difficult seasons, or finding support from other community resources. However, we are not available for crisis management. If this is an emergency, call 911 or reach out to the SMA hotline.
Books
Can I Say That? by Brenna Blain
For anyone with questions for God or looking to understand the intersection of suffering and faith.
Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
For anyone looking to find strength in the midst of struggle, pain, and trauma.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
A deep exploration of trauma and its impact on the body.
Note: This book is written very academically and discusses a wide range of heavy topics. It may be difficult for some readers.
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