Frequently Asked Questions
About MTS Ministries
What is Mending the Soul Ministries About?
Mending the Soul Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2003 by Steve and Celestia Tracy for the purpose of equipping church leaders and empowering communities for ministry to those impacted by abuse. Foundational to their vision was the provision of a systemic curriculum that both integrated scientific/social research on abuse and trauma with biblical and theological truth. This includes a book, workbook, healing art handbook, and a facilitator’s guide which includes all of the documentation, screenings, and forms needed to begin Mending the Soul small groups in your area. The MTS workbook has now been translated into French and Swahili and is being used in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
We believe that it is our responsibility as civic and church leaders to be equipped to respond to the abuse in our communities. Abuse lies at the heart of many of our most pressing social, economic, and moral needs including: poverty, world hunger, illiteracy, violent crime, prostitution, homelessness, substance abuse, divorce, and sexual promiscuity. Abuse requires our response.
MTS offers domestic support to leaders and organizations that desire to begin or strengthen ministry to the countless men, women, and children who struggle with the wounds of abuse. We are available to facilitate seminars for church, para-church, and community organizations.
“He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted.” Isaiah 61:1
About MTS Small Support Groups
What are MTS Support Groups?
Mending the Soul support groups are small groups for either men or women who wish to receive support and help with recovery from their experiences of abuse whether sexual, physical, verbal, neglect or spiritual. The group works through the Mending the Soul Workbook which is a complement to the book Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse by Steven Tracy. In the group the nature and effects of abuse are discussed but the group also provides a Christ-centered, Biblically based model for support towards healing and recovery from abuse.
MTS support groups offer women and men impacted by abuse a safe place where they can support and encourage each other, and connect with other women and men who have had similar experiences and feelings. As participants go through the material in the group they learn to start trusting others, to share their experiences and to feel their emotions in a safe environment, and to understand who they are as a child of God created in His image.
How long is the group?
The group lasts 12-14 weeks. The first meeting is to discuss what happens in the group, explain the expectations, the rules and the operation of the group. It is a time to meet the other participants and share stories (as much as people are comfortable with at this point). For the next 10 weeks the participants read a chapter from the book and work through the questions for the corresponding chapter in the workbook. The final evening is a celebration – an opportunity to reflect back on what God has done in each person’s life during the preceding 11-12 weeks.
How many people are there in a group?
Often the groups are small with 4-5 women or men in addition to the facilitators. Typically a group has two co-facilitators. Groups can also have more than 4 or 5 participants but the bigger the group the harder it is to get enough time for each participant to share in the group. Due the nature of the support group men and women meet separately but it may be possible to have a group for married couples.
How long does each meeting last?
A typical group meeting lasts two hours. The group commits to start on time and finish on time.
Where do MTS support groups meet?
MTS support groups can meet at the home of the facilitator, a church, community center or organization. The important thing is the place of meeting should be private and free from any interruptions or distractions.
What will a person need as they participate in a MTS support group?
Each participant of the group will need a copy of the book Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse by Steven Tracy and the Mending the Soul workbook by Celestia Tracy in order to participate. The Mending the Soul book looks at the nature and effects of abuse and provides a Biblically based healing model for recovery from abuse. The workbook complements the book and helps the participant through the use of questions, art and journaling to learn tools to help in the recovery and healing process.
How will a potential group member know if they should do a MTS support group?
A person may be thinking it is time to participate in a MTS small group. She/he may feel uncertain but she/he keeps thinking that it is time to face the pain and experiences of their past. She/he may have done some counseling with a professional counselor or a church counseling pastor and think they are ready to meet other men and women who have had similar experiences and feel the same. She/he feels they are ready to move on but they are scared and the idea of joining a group seems very daunting.
If you are in this place of uncertainty, talk to a small group facilitator who can explain to you what the group is about and who can help you assess whether the time is right for you to join a group. If you do not a small group facilitator, go to our list of hub churches and find one close to you. They can put you in contact with a facilitator who can talk to you about MTS small groups and whether you are ready to join a group.
MTS Speakers and Training
Mending the Soul Ministries has a team of experienced speakers and trainers. MTS Ministries also has a list of modules and teachings that can be selected for training events and conferences (e.g.: small support group facilitator training) that are available. We are happy to work with you to select the modules and presentations that best suit your needs. If you are interested in one of speakers or trainers for your event or conference or you wish to have a specific training event, see the information below.
How can I book a speaker from MTS Ministries for our event or conference?
How can my church organize a training event for MTS group facilitators?
Will MTS Ministries help me with planning a training event?
Please call MTS Ministries at 866-535-5044 and we will be able help you with the above questions. You may also email us or submit a request through our contact page.