Yes. We believe that, in the broadest sense, all healing is divine. We encourage members to consult medical professionals in matters of physical health, and to seek other professionals in matters of emotional and relational problems.

We believe these professionals can be used by God to bring health to ill and injured persons. In addition to the healing that comes through natural processes and the informed use of medication and surgery, we believe that at times God directly intervenes in the life of believers to initiate and complete healing. Sometimes that is over the long-term; sometimes it is instantaneous; sometimes it means physical death.

We put into practice James' instructions to the young church: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14, NIV). At North Avenue Church of God, people sometimes come to the altar during worship services to request that a pastor anoint and pray for them. The nature of the specific need for physical, emotional or relational healing may or may not be shared with the whole congregation depending on the believer's wishes.

We do not tell God the way the healing should take place. We recognize that sometimes a spiritual issue is being worked out through a physical malady. We also recognize that sometimes the best way out is simply through even when that means death. We recognize that the body is a temporary vessel designed to house the spirit which is eternal.