Americans face increasing financial stress from costly health insurance. But did you know there’s a faith-based alternative? Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) helps believers save money by sharing the burden of medical bills with other like-minded Christians.
If you’re new to the concept of CHM’s health cost sharing ministry, you may be wondering if it’s biblical to share eligible health expenses through a Christian non-profit. This is a good question, and an important one! Here’s how the Bible informs everything CHM does as a ministry:
What does “burden” mean in the Bible?
CHM’s mission is to support others in bearing burdens. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 [ESV] that we are called to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
The word “burden” has many applications but often implies a heavy load or difficult duty. For many people, that may look like chronic pain, illness, financial debt, a challenging marriage, or a stressful job.
Burdens have a spiritual aspect, too. In Matthew 11:28–30 [ESV], Jesus urges, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Gospel lifts the burden of the Law off our souls, awakening us to new life in Christ. Yet worldly cares still weigh us down. Many believers endure the gravity of suffering with a longing for renewal. With that in mind, CHM looks at burdens beyond the physical aspect—we also care for members spiritually in their hardest times.
Church history and the biblical model for cost-sharing
CHM’s ministry isn’t built like a traditional health insurance company. What we do is a direct call from Jesus’ teachings and the example of early Christians.
But what does the Bible say about cost-sharing? To find out, we have to look at the second chapter of Acts. The early church in those days grew fast, while facing plenty of need.
Poverty challenged many members of the assembly, so fellow Christians stepped up in big ways to support each other.
In Acts 2:44-45 [ESV], Luke records, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
This special moment in the history of the church showed what believers can accomplish through the power of the Holy Spirit. By working together and giving selflessly, the needs of others were met. CHM follows in that example by allowing Christians to support each other through voluntary giving.
Every CHM member contribution is used to satisfy other members’ medical bills. This allows our community to receive support for their eligible expenses on a regular basis.
Scripture on community: Christians caring for others
The concept of community in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, is rooted in the local church. But that doesn’t limit caring and giving to our immediate congregation. Because all believers have the spirit of Christ, we serve Him directly when we care for any fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.
In Matthew 25:35-36,40 [ESV], Jesus states, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me’…And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
As Christians, we are part of a larger global church with many needs! CHM seeks to connect believers across the nation by enabling them to support each other through our ministry.
Why health cost sharing reflects God’s design
There are many ways for Christians to take care of each other. While the Bible doesn’t command a “cost-sharing” model for the Church, CHM exists to:
- Provide for the needs of fellow believers [Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35].
- Pray for the sick [James 5:15].
- Follow Christ’s example of compassionate care [Matthew 25:40].
- Support and encourage other Christians in trials [Galatians 6:2].
All of these elements are built into CHM’s mission from top to bottom. Our ministry offers relief from expensive health insurance by providing an alternative founded in the truths of the Bible.
Living out Galatians 6:2 through CHM
By becoming a CHM member, you’re not just sharing medical bills—you’re joining a community of believers who are living out Galatians 6:2 by supporting each other in times of need. Ready to make a difference? Join CHM today!
