The Caring Congregation: How to Become One and Why it Matters

About this book

Caring for the congregation is more than any one person can do even the pastor. All persons eventually experience grief and loss crisis and suffering; and many come to church for the first time as a result of needing help. Using this four-session study modeled after The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas churches can form an effective team by addressing four key areas of congregational care: prayer ministry support ministry hospital visitation and grief and death ministry. Karen Lampe says congregational care should be modeled after the ministry of Jesus who offered compassion understanding healing and wholeness as a way of offering Gods redemptive gift of grace. Congregational care is one reason according to pastors Adam Hamilton and Karen Lampe that their church is successful in attracting and keeping new members. In each richly illustrated session readers will find inspiration Bible-connection skill building practical tips and resources including: information about anointing helpful scriptures application forms suggested requirements and application for team member a volunteer leader covenant safety and self-care contract and a counseling guide.