Support Ministries & Groups
For those looking for real help and hope, Brandywine opens its doors to a number of different support groups and ministries, both associated with and not associated with the church. Below you will find info regarding these different ministries and how to register or reach out.
English as a Second Language Class (ESL)
Three levels of English classes are offered
- Beginners: For those who speak little or no English
- Intermediate: For those who know just enough English to “get by”
- Advanced: For those who want to improve their pronunciation and accent to feel more comfortable conversing at work, school, and in the community
WHEN: September 8, 2026 to April 27, 20276:30-8:30 pm
WHERE: Brandywine Valley Church (7 Mt. Lebanon Road, Wilmington, DE 19803). The church is accessible via DART transportation. Take routes #2 or #35 for Concord Pike. Get off at the Talleyville Memorial Fire Hall. The church is next to the YMCA.
WHO: Open to anyone who would like to learn English as a second language (ESL)
COST: $40. The cost includes the textbook and registration fee for the entire year of English classes. Payment is accepted in cash (exact change please) or check.
CHILDCARE: Childcare is available for babies through age 9.
QUESTIONS: Call (302) 478-4255 or email us
GriefShare
GriefShare is a weekly seminar/support group for anyone grieving the death of someone close. It’s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss, as well as learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. Each week, you will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. Then, you will spend time as a support group discussing what was presented and what is going on in your lives. Each week is self-contained so you do not have to attend the sessions in sequence.
When: Tuesdays at 1:00pm, 6:30pm available by appointment.
Where: Brandywine Valley Church
Who: Open to anyone who is experiencing grief from a loss
This is a 13-week course. Courses occur consecutively.
Stephen Ministry
For people who are hurting and need comfort or compassion, Stephen Ministry provides emotional and spiritual support by connecting individuals experiencing significant stress with spiritually mature Christians who offer love, comfort, fellowship, and prayer, grounded in scriptural principles of non-judgmental care. They offer a listening ear; they do NOT fix the problem, give advice or provide counseling.
Areas of support may include: fractured families; divorce or separation; loss of a spouse or family member; recovery from spiritual abuse or loss of faith; loneliness or feeling disconnected; caregivers under stress; illness; high-risk pregnancy, infertility, or the birth of a child; or transitions to a new stage of life.
Support is conducted on a one-on-one basis and is confidential. Care may include weekly meetings, occasional phone calls, or text messages.
To be supported by Stephen Ministry, please complete this form. A Stephen Minister will contact you shortly. Please provide as much detail as possible so the right person can contact you.
Your information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone except the Stephen Ministry team.
Questions: Call (302) 256-4470 or email Karen Reed
Extraordinary Dads
Extraordinary Dads is a support group for fathers with children (kids or adult children) who have special needs. This includes any variety of special needs (diagnosed or undiagnosed). The time together is spent seeking guidance from God’s word and praying for each other and our children.
When: Third Thursday of the month @ 6:30pm
Where: Brandywine Valley Church room 166
Who: Fathers with children of special needs
Contact: Email David Cordrey or call (610) 368-8340
Broken Beginnings
Broken Beginnings Men’s Discipleship
It is our desire and determination to make disciples. Join us for lunch, prayer, praise reports, worship music, and the teaching of the Word.
When: Sundays @ 2:00pm
Where: Brandywine Valley Church
Who: All men are welcome to attend
Contact: Call (302) 478-4255 or email Tim Santa Barbara, Broken Beginnings leader and Prison Outreach of Delaware‘s Aftercare Associate. Visit Broken Beginnings website.
New Song for Widows
New Song for Widows
A support group by and for widows at Brandywine. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month for food and fellowship at homes or area restaurants. Widow, unlike fiancée or wife, is not a title you happily choose, but if your husband dies it’s yours none-the-less: for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, rainy days and sunny ones. We’d love to have you join us!
When: Second Wednesday monthly
Where: Location Varies
Who: Widows
Contact: Call (302) 478-4255 or email Charlotte Byrd
WinGS
WinGS (Walking in God’s Spirit) is a support group for parents with special needs children (kids or adult children). This includes any variety of special needs (diagnosed or undiagnosed). The time together is spent seeking guidance from God’s word and praying for each other and our children.
When: The first Thursday of each month @ 6:30pm.
Where: Brandywine Valley Church, downstairs in room 33G
Who: Moms of children with special needs
Contact: Email Nancy Cordrey or call (610) 368-5400
Christian Counselors
Brandywine’s philosophy of counseling is a multi-step approach. Pastors and small groups can often provide counsel, but when more in-depth counseling is needed, we recommend seeking professional help. Below is a list of Christian counselors with whom we have worked and recommend.
- Cynthia Brown, Professional Counselor, Chadds Ford, PA – (484) 291-1389; brown.cynthia511@gmail.com
- The Peacemaker Center, Kennett Square, PA
- Pike Creek Psychological Center, Newark and Odessa, DE
- Renewed Life Christian Counseling Center, Wilmington and Bear, DE
- Dr. Mitch Ruoff of Pike Creek Counseling, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Wilmington, DE – (302) 898-9229; pikecreekcounseling@gmail.com
- Dr. Barbara Shaffer, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Chadds Ford, PA – (610) 388-2233
- ServingLeaders Ministries Counseling Division, West Chester and Willow Grove, PA
God Step Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
The Alcoholics Anonymous program offers a new way of life without alcohol, a program that is working successfully for millions of men and women throughout the world, and in all walks of life. The experience of AA members is that alcoholism is a progressive illness that cannot be cured, but which, like some other illnesses, can be arrested by staying away from the first drink, one day at a time. People from all walks of life meet to share their experiences, strength, and hope.
When: Thursdays @ 7:00pm
Where: Brandywine Valley Church – Enter the building through the white doors to the right of the main entrance near the driveway into the property.
Who: The group is open to anyone
Contact: 302-655-5113 (AA hotline for Delaware)
Delmarva Adult & Teen Challenge
Delmarva Adult & Teen Challenge is a program that wants to see men and women set free from life-controlling addiction and pursue lives of purpose, freedom, and joy. They service the Delmarva area with residential programs for both men and women, and have two crisis referral offices.
Where: Women’s Program Campus – Bridgeville, DE; Men’s Program Campus – Seaford, DE
Who: Men & Women ages 18+
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