CHURCH MEMBERS CARING FOR MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY
MOSES HAD A MONUMENTAL PROBLEM!
Confronting Pharaoh had its problems but once in the wilderness leadership and resource management became a monumental problem. At one point the burden became so overwhelming for Moses in a moment of despair he cried out to God,
| Quote: | | I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me. So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness. Numbers 11:14-15 |
GOD PROVIDES A SOLUTION
To say The burden for the care of all the Israelites became weighty for Moses might be and understatement. God, however, devised a plan. He would empower 70 select individuals to help Moses bear the burden. Numbers 11:16-17 records God�s plan:
| Quote: | | The Lord therefore said to Moses, �Gather for Me seventy men from the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone.� (emphasis added) |
THE EARLY CHURCH HAD A PROBLEM
The early church made great inroads into the Jewish Community but a problem developed. Among the Jewish converts were Jews from Judea and Jews from other parts of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Caring for the needy was part of their culture and the early church focused upon meeting the neediest among them � widows.
Managing the operation were the 12 apostles and evidently it became a very demanding responsibility. The Apostles became conflicted between their responsibilities to study in order to teach the people and running the charity program. A conflict arose: It appeared the widows of the local Jewish community were being favored over the widows from outside Judea.
GOD PROVIDES A SOLUTION
The Apostles� conflict was resolved by the congregation selecting seven men �of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom� to oversee the charity operations while the Apostles devoted their time and energies to prepare themselves for teaching God�s word.
The solution pleased everyone, and neither the needs of the widows or the continued study and teaching of the Word were neglected. (Acts 6:1-4) The seven selected became the early form for the office of deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-10f).
When it comes to meeting the needs of the Body of Christ, God has a plan that includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers; it includes bishops, elders, and deacons; and it includes members motivated by prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, and mercy.
Sitting in the pews of every congregation there are men and women whose service to the Body of Christ is motivated by mercy � they show kindness and concern to others in serious need. If given the right tools, equipped with the right words to say, the right thing to do, they can help share the burden of the people so the pastor doesn�t bear the burden alone. (Romans 12:5-8)
They want to address these needs in concrete, effective, and meaningful terms. They are The Good Samaritans in the congregation. And, they find satisfaction not only in helping others but in knowing they have provided much needed assistance to the pastor.
Together, individuals motivated by mercy, serving, and giving can form a dynamic team that can assist the congregation�s leadership in identifying and caring for the needs of other congregational members and the community.
MEMBER CARE
Member Care is designed to provide the pastor and church staff support in their role of caring for members of their congregation and community by training and equipping individuals motivated by mercy to assist the pastor and congregation by:
Visiting the sick, the elderly, and bereaved
Responding to individuals experiencing crisis
Identifying opportunities for benevolence [the right help]
Attending the needs during altar services, etc.
Member Care provides training of key individuals in the congregation with caring skills � elders, deacons, visitation committee members, caregivers, etc.
Member Care also provides a system of support for members who are caregivers for family members, and tools to establish a Grief Support System for the bereaved.
Training is based upon 28 years of Pastoral Service and extensive Chaplaincy Training and incorporates these years of experience and training. Training materials include a classroom setting, teaching manuals, and interactive role playing.
Caregivers learn:
What to do and say, and what not to do and say
How to Listen with an �Empathetic Ear�
How to discern and identify genuine needs
The limitations to their scope of ministry
The true meaning of compassion and mercy
The nature and purpose of Grief Support Systems and how to facilitate Grief Support Group Sessions
Continuous care for Congregation Members
Senior Care: Caring for the Special Needs of the Elderly and the Home-bound
Care for the Caregivers: The Special Needs of those caring for the elderly and homebound
Addressing Issues of Life-limiting illnesses, the Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Wills, Funeral Arrangements, etc. (This is especially needed for older adults and the children of aging adults)
FORMAT
Sessions can be conducted according to one of the following formats:
Saturday morning and afternoon sessions (host may provide a simple noon meal, snacks and fellowship opportunity)
Friday Evening and Saturday Morning Sessions (host may want to provide snacks and fellowship opportunity)
Wednesday Evening Sessions for locations within 60 mile radius of home base
Local Church Requirements:
Facilities:
Workshops require seating, preferably with tables, power outlet for computer and projector (Member Care can provide projector screen).
COSTS
Basic Fee: $250 (includes 7-8 hours instruction and administrative costs)
Workbook:
Ordered from Amazon: $15.00 each
Ordered from Member Care
Less than 10 attendees: $12.00 each
Greater than 10 attendees: $10.00 each
Travel Expense
Based upon mileage at $.45/mile (round trip) for workshops greater than 90 mile radius of home base in Sylacauga, Alabama. Room for workshops greater than 150 mile radius of home base. Outside Gulf States is negotiable.
Contact Me:
BENEFITS
Help curb attrition by establishing concrete relationships
Help promote congregational stability by establishing healthy relationships
Help identify meaningful expressions of care that meets legitimate needs
Help promote evangelistic efforts through community interaction and good deeds
INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER CREDENTIALS
Served as a Pastor for 28 years
Twelve years Varied Chaplain Disciplines
Community Service Chaplain
Law Enforcement Chaplain
Hospital Chaplain
Hospice Chaplain
Disaster Relief Chaplain
CERTIFICATES RECEIVED
Pentecostal Theological Seminar
| Quote: | | Completed satisfactory the requirements for the concentration in Chaplaincy Ministries and awarded a Leadership and Development Certificate recognizing approval for teaching Chaplaincy Certificate Courses. (May 31, 2014) |
Church of God Chaplains Commission, Cleveland, Tenn.:
Master Community Service Chaplain Levels I, II and III
C.E.R.T./Disaster Response Chaplain
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (University of Maryland, Baltimore County):
Critical Incident Stress Management: Group Crisis Intervention
Critical Incident Stress Management: Individual Crisis Intervention Peer Support
Critical Incident Stress Management: Individual Crisis Intervention Pastoral Crisis Intervention
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare:
ATTENTION ADMINISTRATORS/MONITORS: If type of post is not permitted, please feel free to delete. Thanks - Mark
https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-chaplains-corner/member-care/1358652360866760
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3/9/17 9:57 pm
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