About the Ministry
Surviving to Thriving exists to walk alongside those who carry the weight of past pain — offering structured, compassionate community grounded in Scripture and guided by trained facilitators.
Our Mission
To provide a biblically grounded, trauma-informed space where individuals can move from isolation and pain toward healing, identity in Christ, and God-given purpose — within the caring community of International Harvest Church.
Our Vision
We envision a church community where no one walks alone through suffering — where the body of Christ becomes a place of genuine safety, honest lament, and transforming hope for those affected by trauma.
Our Relationship to International Harvest Church
Surviving to Thriving is a ministry of International Harvest Church (IHCF) in Fort Worth, Texas. The program operates under pastoral oversight and is accountable to church leadership. IHCF's commitment to whole-person care shapes every aspect of how this ministry is structured and delivered.
Biblical Foundation
Scripture does not minimize suffering — it bears witness to it. From the Psalms of lament to the healing ministry of Jesus, the Bible affirms that pain is real, that God is present in it, and that restoration is possible. This ministry draws on that witness as its foundation, not as a formula, but as a living source of hope.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
Pastoral Oversight and Accountability
The ministry operates under the direct oversight of IHCF pastoral leadership. A designated ministry coordinator manages day-to-day operations, facilitator scheduling, participant inquiries, and referral coordination. All facilitators are approved by church leadership before leading a group.
Facilitator Preparation
Facilitators complete a preparation process that includes trauma-awareness training, group facilitation skills, confidentiality and mandatory reporting requirements, and referral procedures. Facilitators are not licensed mental health professionals; they are trained, supervised lay leaders committed to creating safe, structured group environments.
Referral Boundaries
This ministry does not provide psychotherapy, clinical counseling, crisis intervention, or medical care. When a participant's needs exceed what a peer support group can appropriately address, facilitators are equipped to make warm referrals to qualified professional resources. Participants are never pressured to remain in the group in place of seeking professional care.
How We Care
The Values That Shape This Ministry
Dignity
Every person who enters this ministry is treated as made in the image of God — worthy of respect, honesty, and care, regardless of their story or history.
Compassion
We do not rush healing or minimize pain. Facilitators are trained to hold space with patience, to listen without judgment, and to respond with warmth.
Choice
Participation is always voluntary. Participants are never required to share personal details, and they may step back from the group at any time without explanation.
Confidentiality
What is shared in the group stays in the group. Facilitators maintain confidentiality with the following limits: they are required to act when there is a risk of harm to self or others, or when mandatory reporting obligations apply.
Emotional Safety
Group guidelines are established in the first session and reinforced throughout. Facilitators are trained to recognize and respond to distress, and to redirect the group when needed to maintain a safe environment for all participants.
Ready to learn more about the program?
Explore the Twelve-Week Group