About GoHealth!
About GoHealth
The Guild of Health and St Raphael is an ecumenical Christian charity which has been promoting the Christian healing ministry since 1904. Our vision is to created flourishing communities made up of flourishing individuals, and our purpose is to resource and train individuals, and communities to be a healing presence in the name of Christ. To do this we combine the wisdom of the Christian faith, with science and the power of the church to make a real difference in the world. As an organisation, we have extensive networks amongst all the major denominations in the UK, including The Church of Scotland, The Episcopal Church in Scotland, The Church of England, The Church in Wales, the Salvation Army, and The Methodist church. We have over 500 members, over 2000 on our mailing lists, and over 14,000 listens to our podcast. We work with senior church leaders to maximise our impact, while also working at the grassroots level supporting intercessory prayer, training churches to offer Christian healing through The Healthy Healing Hub network, and our specialist work with Chaplains to support a growing need for Christian healing within a wide range of networks.
Alignment Between GoHealth and Acorn
Shared Vision and Theology of Healing
· Both organisations share a deeply aligned vision of Christian healing, centred on offering the healing love of Jesus Christ through individuals and the Church.
· Healing is understood holistically, expressed through prayer, pastoral care, formation, and compassionate ministry.
· Both organisations view healing ministry as God’s work carried through communities of Christians, rather than belonging to a single organisation.
Commitment to Training and Formation
· Both Acorn and GoHealth prioritise training and equipping Christians in healing ministry.
· Each organisation invests in formation-based learning, supporting people to become healing presences in their churches and communities.
Prayer-Centred Ministry
· Prayer is central to the life of both organisations.
· Both communities are built around shared prayer, mutual support, and discernment in God’s guidance.
Network-Based Ministry
· Both organisations operate through networks of people and local hubs, enabling healing ministry to take place in diverse contexts.
· Both recognise the importance of local leaders, volunteers, and communities in sustaining healing work.
Ecumenical Approach
· Both organisations work across denominational boundaries, supporting Christians from different traditions to participate in healing ministry.
Shared Commitment to Pastoral Care
· Both organisations recognise that healing ministry must be grounded in pastoral sensitivity, care for people, and responsible safeguarding.
Desire for Faithful Stewardship of Legacy
· GoHealth recognises the significant legacy of Acorn since its founding in 1983 and approaches the potential transfer as an act of stewardship rather than acquisition.
· The intention is to honour Acorn’s heritage while enabling its ministry to flourish in a sustainable context.
A brief explanation of How GoHealth Plans to Continue the Ministry and Mission of Acorn:
For over forty years, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation has played a significant role in nurturing Christian healing ministry in the UK. Through training, pastoral formation, prayer, and the development of networks of practitioners and hubs, Acorn has helped thousands of people grow in their capacity to offer compassionate, Christ-centred healing presence in their communities.
The difficult financial circumstances that have led Acorn’s trustees to conclude that the charity cannot continue as an independent organisation do not diminish the importance of that ministry or its ongoing relevance today. The need for healing (spiritual, emotional, and relational) remains profound in our churches and communities.
The proposed transfer of Acorn’s ministry and assets into The Guild of Health and St Raphael (GoHealth) provides a practical and hopeful pathway for ensuring that the work Acorn began can continue and develop in a sustainable context.
This transfer offers several advantages:
· Greater organisational sustainability, supported by established governance and operational structures
· Wider networks and partnerships, enabling Acorn’s resources and training to reach more people
· Integration with existing GoHealth programmes, strengthening formation and training pathways
· Strong safeguarding and educational frameworks, ensuring responsible and effective ministry
In this context, Acorn’s courses, networks, and insights can reach a broader community than would otherwise be possible.
Here are the details of what is going to happen:
Preserving and Honouring Acorn’s Legacy
· GoHealth will acknowledge and celebrate Acorn’s history and contribution within its own website and communications.
· The Acorn domain will be maintained for at least five years, serving as a place where Acorn’s story is honoured and people can be directed to ongoing healing ministry resources.
Continuing Acorn’s Training and Courses
· GoHealth will receive and steward Acorn’s digital training assets and courses.
· The Listening Academy will be integrated into GoHealth’s learning framework, ensuring that this important training continues to be available.
· The Acorn name will be retained within listening training for at least three years, recognising its origin and reputation.
· Existing Healing Academy materials will be reviewed and prayerfully discerned for integration within GoHealth’s wider training offer.
Supporting Acorn’s Community and Networks
· GoHealth will invite Acorn volunteers, members, donors, and supporters into the GoHealth community.
· Existing Acorn hub networks will be engaged with carefully and compassionately, with opportunities for hubs to become part of the GoHealth family where appropriate.
· Hub leaders will be invited to join The Healthy Healing Hub Network and will be supported through training and alignment with safeguarding and ministry standards.
Providing Continuity for Participants and Learners
· Acorn members and volunteers will be offered free or discounted GoHealth membership during the transition, providing pastoral support and access to resources.
Integrating Acorn’s Work into a Larger Mission
· Rather than simply absorbing assets, GoHealth intends to integrate Acorn’s training and resources into its strategic planning and communications, maximising their reach and impact.
· This integration will allow Acorn’s work to benefit from GoHealth’s national networks, infrastructure, and long-standing ministry.
Stewarding Digital and Educational Resources
· GoHealth will take responsibility for the management, editing, and delivery of Acorn training materials, ensuring they align with safeguarding standards, theology, and educational quality.
· This ensures that Acorn’s teaching can continue to reach new audiences while remaining responsible and safe.
Communicating with Acorn’s Community
· GoHealth will communicate sensitively with Acorn’s mailing lists and networks, offering continuity and inviting people into the ongoing life of the ministry.
Ensuring Sustainability
· By integrating Acorn’s work into an organisation with established governance, safeguarding structures, and financial stability, the ministry has the opportunity to continue in a sustainable and scalable way.