Frequently Asked Questions

Is MercyWalk for Me?
MercyWalk is for anyone who desires healing from there hurts, habits, and hang-ups and seeks to grow in a community with others.

Is it Free?
Yes, however, we do ask for a donation for the food and for certain Step Study Groups, you will be asked to purchase your own materials. If you can't afford the materials, please ask a MercyWalk leader for assistance.

Is there Childcare?
Not at this time. However, children's ministry is being planned. Please contact nocmercywalk@newsong.net to let us know if you desire childcare so that we may estimate the need.

What kind of groups or meetings does MercyWalk offer?

1. Open Share Groups: These are open groups where people can share their hurts and habits in confidence with others.

2. Step Study Groups: These are closed groups that provide more structure and require greater accountability and commitment with deeper intimacy and sharing. Step Study Groups usually last for 6-9 months. For information on availability, write to nocmercywalk@newsong.net.

When do the meetings take place?

1. North OC: Meetings every Wednesday night from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at the NOC Ministry Center Lounge, located at 505 E. Commonwealth Ave Fullerton, Ca 92832. For meeting information check the Calendar and for details contact nocmercywalk@newsong.net.

2. Irvine: Meetings every Friday night from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the YFC Room (room 30), located at 18842 Teller Ave. Irvine, CA 92612. For meeting information check the Calendar and for details contact mercywalk@newsong.net.

3. LA: Meetings every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. For information contact lamercywalk@newsong.net.

What takes place during the meetings?
Our night starts off with some combination of dinner or refreshments together, then a Large Group time that consists of worship, prayer, and either testimony/life journey or a teaching based on Christ-centered 12 steps literature. After the Large Group time, we then split off into gender-specific, mixed recovery issue groups for our Open Share time. Our Open Share Groups (or small group sessions) are really the heartbeat of MercyWalk, and they are times where we vulnerably share with one another about what we are going through (struggles, sin, victories, hope, prayer requests). It is a completely safe and confidential place where we follow the command given in James 5 of the Bible and, "confess our sins to one another and pray for each so that we may be healed."

Do I have to share, or is it okay just to listen during the group?
We encourage everyone to share. It's OK to listen during your first group or meeting, but after the first time we encourage all participants to take part in the sharing.

How committed do I have to be?
You do not have to be committed to come to the Open Share Groups. The Step Study Groups require a higher degree of commitment including homework and strict adherence to a group schedule.

How can I know that the Open Share Groups are really safe?
We can't ensure complete safety, but we are firm about maintaining confidentiality and keeping Open Share Group guidelines in place in order to create a safe environment. The Open Share Group guidelines are:

1. Anonymity and confidentiality are basic requirements. What is shared in the group stays in the group.
2. We are here to support one another and will not attempt to “fix” another person.
3. Keep your sharing focused on your own thoughts, feelings and actions. Please keep your sharing limited to 3-5 minutes.
4. There is NO cross talk please.
5. Offensive language has no place in a Christ-centered recovery group, including no graphic descriptions.

Does MercyWalk offer counseling or therapy?
No, MercyWalk does not offer counseling or therapy. We are a non-professional, volunteer, spiritual community committed to freely sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others in order that some might be helped. We do offer resources for anyone desiring further attention to a specific area of their life.

Does MercyWalk want me to volunteer?
Yes, we've found that part of our recovery involves being of service to others. So we encourage you to volunteer at MercyWalk, or with another ministry at NewSong Church.  If you are interested in helping out with MercyWalk, please contact nocmercywalk@newsong.net.