Follow up to “Prepared to Serve” workshop Caring for each other through a Lay Visitors Program.
An important part of caring for each other in our congregation includes reaching out in response to short term needs, or outreach to the community.
During this workshop it was evident that a lot of churches in the state have part time pastors, just as we do. How can a lay person be effective? How can we initiate prayer with those we visit? How can we avoid the “wrong things to say”? This training will allow us to supplement Pastoral Care done by Pastor Gary, not replace his pastoral visits.
Pastor Gary has offered to help us start up a lay visitor’s program, with on-going support for each other as we build this ministry.
Pastor Gary has recommended a book by Kenneth C Haugk: Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to relate to Those who are Suffering. This book has been ordered and will be added to our lending library. It will also be considered for use during the visitation training.
Once the group has been formed, we will set up training times.