Sustaining Hope: Building a Community Chaplaincy Model as a Framework for Spiritual and Emotional Support for Cancer Survivors and Those Affected by Cancer in the Local Church and Community

This doctoral research explores the development of a community chaplaincy model that provides spiritual and emotional support for cancer survivors, caregivers, and those affected by cancer within local churches and communities. By centering on Restoration Worship Center, the study underscores the pivotal role faith communities play in addressing the multidimensional needs: spiritual, emotional, and practical, of those facing cancer. The study outlines a framework for creating a sustainable cancer care ministry through an integrated approach of spiritual guidance, mentorship, leadership training, and practical support. This model offers a blueprint for other churches and faith-based organizations, such as Lotus of Love Cancer Care, Inc., demonstrating their potential to contribute significantly to cancer care by fostering hope and resilience. As the role of faith communities in healthcare continues to evolve, this research emphasizes the importance of equipping these organizations with the tools necessary to meet the diverse spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of cancer survivors and caregivers. It suggests that with ongoing development, faith communities can become an integral part of the broader cancer care system, offering a compassionate and informed approach to support and healing for survivors and their families. The proposed model seeks to inspire further research and replication in similar contexts, ensuring that holistic support and sustained hope remain central to the cancer care journey. By empowering churches to take an active role in healthcare, this model envisions a future where spiritual and emotional care are vital, integrated components of cancer recovery and support systems.