As promised last month, I’d like to tell you a little bit more about another one of the wonderful care systems in place at our church that offers support to our members. Within the Congregational Care Systems of our church, we have a Congregational Caregiving Team. Many of these participants, also known as caregivers, were trained under the former model you may be more familiar with, known as Stephen Ministry.

Today our church has its own Christ-centered caregiving training curriculum to equip caregivers to offer confidential spiritual and emotional support to fellow members of the congregation going through challenging times such as grieving the loss of a loved one, experiencing depression, loneliness, job loss, whose physical health is failing, or someone experiencing relational struggles such as divorce. It is not for minors, couples or groups. Nor is it for those who need professional counseling or psychiatric help for mental health disorders or addiction.

After completing the training, many of our caregivers are matched up with a care receiver referred by the Pastors. They meet regularly, often weekly, through their time of need. Our team typically meets together once a month for continuing education opportunities. Caregivers also serve as co-leaders in our Grief Share bereavement support group and use their skills on other teams, such as the Homebound Visitation Team, Funeral Guild, Prayer Network, and Congregational Shepherding Team.

Do you have gifts of compassion? Are you a good listener? Can you offer encouragement and pray with someone? If you feel called to this important ministry or would like to find out more, please speak to me or contact me: Amanda@fpcdouglasville.org

Amanda Roberts

Director of Congregational Care