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Setting up a program can be crucial for its success and longevity. Use this 3-step process to start up (or retool) your programs and launch them for success!
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Introduction: Churches can care for their local community through care ministries. Today’s program is about setting up programs in such a way that they can be successful. Listen for ideas about the kinds of programs, staffing programs, and getting the programs started.
Summary: The idea behind this is based on a desire to connect people to Jesus. When the church starts with this as part of their culture, the behavior of the congregation follows.
Setting up a group:
- Start with a minimum of four people (two male and two female) to lead each program
- Make sure leaders understand what they are and are not capable of (keep a list of the professional referrals needed)
- Develop your network of professional referrals before you start
- Start with prayer
Types of referrals:
- Stephen Ministries
- Comfort dogs
- Local churches who have suicide prevention or awareness programs
- Meal ministries
- Military support
- Employment groups
Thought Starters:
- What are the immediate needs in our community?
- Who are the people in our congregation with skills or interests in those areas?
- Are there ways to improve the structure of our programs and the resources available to those serving in our current care ministries programs?
Resources:
- Stephen Ministries (stephenministries.org)
- Comfort Dog Ministry (lutheranchurchcharities.org; click on “K-9 Ministries”)
