Human Care Ministry Team

The Human Care Team is a newly forming ministry team at Redeemer Lutheran Church. The information below will provide you with everything you need to consider whether this ministry is something your might consider joining.

 

Statement of Purpose 

The Human Care Team at Redeemer Lutheran Church exists to embody Christ’s love through Christian companionship and intentional care for our congregation and community. This team provides opportunities for members to live out their faith in Jesus by using their God-given gifts to serve others. Our aim is to share Christ’s comfort and presence through regular visits and other expressions of care and intentional welcome follow-up as we live out our calling to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

Responsibilities and Job Descriptions

Below you will find job descriptions for the four roles within the Human Care Team ministry. They are not exclusive. If you have the time and inclination, you can take on more than one (or all four!) roles.

Visitation Team Member

  • Responsibilities:
    • Participate in ensuring regular calls or visits to members who are homebound, lonely, or in need of companionship. The entire team works together to provide frequent connections, but individual members can contribute based on their availability.
    • Visit shut-ins and those in the hospital as needed, contributing to the team’s collective effort to ensure no one feels neglected.
    • Note any pastoral care needs during visits and promptly report them to the pastor.
  • Flexibility:
    • Team members can choose their level of involvement. Some may visit a couple of people weekly, while others might make one visit per month. All contributions are valued and important.
    • Calling and visiting are important. You can do one, the other, or both.
  • Qualifications:
    • A heart for serving others and offering Christ-like love.
    • Willingness to pray with members and engage in active listening.
    • Dependable and able to follow through on agreed commitments.

Interested? Click here -> I'm interested in being a Visitation Team Member

Worship Visitor Follow-Up

  • Responsibilities:
    • Follow up with visitors to the church after worship services, offering a warm welcome and answering questions about church life.
    • Encourage visitors to connect with the congregation through participation in services, events, or small groups.
    • Collaborate with other team members to ensure visitors feel valued and supported in their faith journey.
  • Qualifications:
    • Strong interpersonal skills and a welcoming attitude.
    • Knowledge of church activities and willingness to invite others to participate.

Interested? Click here -> I'm interested in helping with Worship Visitor Follow-Up

Card Ministry Team Member

  • Responsibilities:
    • Send care cards and get-well cards to members who are sick, struggling, or going through a difficult time.
    • Write personalized messages of encouragement, comfort, and prayer.
    • Coordinate with the team to ensure timely and consistent outreach.
  • Flexibility:
    • Team members can commit to writing and sending cards based on their availability, whether weekly or monthly.
  • Qualifications:
    • A compassionate heart and willingness to offer encouragement.
    • Attention to detail and consistency in follow-through.
    • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Interested? Click here -> I'm interested in being part of the Card Ministry Team

Human Care Team Coordinator(s)

  • Responsibilities:
    • Oversee the organization and functioning of the Human Care Team, ensuring all responsibilities are carried out effectively.
    • Serve as the main point of contact for team members, addressing concerns, providing support, and sharing updates.
    • Schedule and facilitate regular team meetings to maintain communication and encourage collaboration.
    • Assign tasks such as visits, follow-ups, or card ministry as needed, ensuring all members of the congregation receive appropriate care.
    • Keep records of visits, follow-ups, and outreach efforts to ensure accountability and identify any unmet needs.
    • Collaborate with the pastor to identify individuals who may require pastoral care or additional support.
  • Flexibility:
    • Coordinators can serve individually or as part of a small team to share responsibilities.
  • Qualifications:
    • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
    • A heart for service and the ability to encourage and support others.
    • Effective communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Interested? Click here -> I'm interested in being a Human Care Team Coordinator

Recruitment Plan

  1. Announce the Vision
    • Share the purpose and mission of the Human Care Team during Sunday services, Bible studies, and other church gatherings.
    • Use church newsletters, bulletins, and social media to highlight the need for compassionate volunteers.
  2. Personal Invitations
    • Approach individuals who have demonstrated a heart for service, empathy, or hospitality.
    • Emphasize the meaningful impact they can make in the lives of others through this ministry.
  3. Information Sessions
    • Host an informational meeting to outline the responsibilities, expectations, and joys of serving on the Human Care Team.
    • Include testimonials from those already engaged in similar ministries, such as those bringing communion to shut-ins.
  4. Training and Support
    • Offer an initial training session for all team members, covering practical aspects of visits, confidentiality, and how to identify and report pastoral care needs.
    • Provide ongoing encouragement and resources to help members feel equipped and valued.

Sustaining the Ministry

  1. Regular Communication
    • Schedule monthly or quarterly team meetings to share updates, provide training, and offer mutual support.
    • Maintain a communication system (e.g., group emails, messaging apps) to keep the team connected.
  2. Tracking and Accountability
    • Develop a simple system for tracking visits and contacts to ensure no one is overlooked. 
      • Assign a coordinator to oversee schedules and address any gaps in coverage.
  3. Celebrate Successes
    • Regularly share stories of impact during worship or in newsletters to highlight the team’s work.
    • Host an annual appreciation event to thank team members for their dedication and service.
  4. Continual Recruitment
    • Keep the need for volunteers visible and encourage members to prayerfully consider joining the team as part of their Christian vocation.

Conclusion The Human Care Team will provide a vital ministry of presence and love within our congregation, addressing loneliness and strengthening the bonds of Christian community. By God’s grace, this team will serve as an extension of Christ’s care, offering hope and encouragement to all who are in need.

 

Training Outline

Visitation Team Member Training

Objectives:

  • Understand the purpose and significance of Christian companionship.
  • Learn practical skills for effective and compassionate visits.
  • Know how to identify and report pastoral care needs.

Training Topics:

  1. Biblical Basis for Visitation Ministry 
    • Explore key passages such as Matthew 25:36 ("I was sick, and you visited me") and James 1:27.
    • Reflect on how visiting others is a way to live out faith in Jesus.
  2. Practical Tips for Visits 
    • Active listening skills.
    • How to pray with someone.
    • Being a calming and non-judgmental presence.
  3. Ethics and Boundaries 
    • Maintaining confidentiality.
    • Recognizing your role as a companion, not a counselor.
  4. Reporting Visits & Needs 
    • Clear steps for communicating pastoral care needs to the coordinator or pastor.
  5. Role-Playing Scenarios 
    • Practice mock visits to build confidence.

Resources:

  • Sample prayers and Scripture passages.
  • Do’s and Don’ts for visits.
  • Reporting visits and needs.

 

Worship Visitor Follow-Up Training

Objectives:

  • Build skills for welcoming and engaging new visitors.
  • Learn how to encourage connection with church life.

Training Topics:

  1. Welcoming Mindset 
    • The importance of hospitality in the Bible (Romans 15:7).
    • Seeing every visitor as a gift from God.
  2. Key Skills for Follow-Up
    • How to listen and ask open-ended questions.
    • Communicating enthusiasm without being overbearing.
  3. Inviting Connection 
    • Introducing church programs and events.
    • Encouraging participation in small groups or Bible studies.
  4. Practical Steps for Follow-Up 
    • Sending thank-you notes or follow-up emails.
    • Coordinating follow-up with other team members.

Resources:

  • Tips for answering common questions about Redeemer Lutheran Church.
  • List of church events and activities to share.
  • List of resources for further information about the Christian faith and Lutheranism

 

Card Ministry Team Member Training

Objectives:

  • Learn how to provide meaningful encouragement through cards.
  • Understand the role of this ministry in sharing God’s love.

Training Topics:

  1. The Power of Encouragement 
    • Biblical examples (1 Thessalonians 5:11 – "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up").
    • Sharing God’s love through written words.
  2. Crafting a Meaningful Card 
    • Writing a heartfelt and personal message.
    • Using Scripture to offer comfort and hope.
  3. Practical Guidelines
    • Handling sensitive information with care.
    • Organizing a schedule to ensure consistent outreach.

Resources:

  • A guide to Scriptures for various situations.
  • Templates for care cards.
  • Suggestions for inexpensive but thoughtful cards and materials.

 

Human Care Team Coordinator Training

Objectives:

  • Equip coordinators with the tools to organize, support, and lead the team.
  • Foster a culture of encouragement and accountability within the ministry.

Training Topics:

  1. Leadership with Compassion 
    • Biblical perspective on servant leadership (Philippians 2:3-4).
    • Encouraging and motivating team members.
  2. Organizational Skills
    • Creating schedules and managing tasks.
    • Tracking visits, follow-ups, and card distributions.
  3. Effective Communication
    • Providing clear instructions and updates.
    • Addressing conflicts or challenges with grace.
  4. Collaboration with the Pastor 
    • Identifying members with deeper pastoral needs.
    • Maintaining open and regular communication.

Resources:

  • Team meeting agenda templates.
  • Tracking sheets for visits and contacts.
  • Communication tips and troubleshooting guides.

 

Implementation Plan for Training:

  1. Initial Training Sessions:
    Host separate sessions for each role, lasting 1-2 hours, focusing on the specific materials outlined above.
  2. Ongoing Training:
    Schedule quarterly refresher courses or workshops to provide updates, share experiences, and encourage growth.
  3. Support Materials:
    Provide printed or digital booklets summarizing the training for team members to reference.
  4. Mentorship:
    Pair new team members with experienced ones to offer guidance and build confidence.

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