A Model for Ministry

This model for becoming a caring congregation is guided by Jesus' example of servant ministry. It draws heavily on the wisdom and life experiences of senior adults and offers meaningful service for semi-retired, newly retired, and long-retired individuals and groups as providers of compassionate care and as guides/mentors for younger generations called to this ministry. A broad spectrum of age groups joins in diverse ministries designed to provide compassionate care, companionship, and essential services to others of all ages experiencing loss through illness, death, divorce, and so on. The entire congregation is included in the mission through sermons, small-group studies, fundraisers to finance the work, and the practice of faith disciplines to undergird the program. The role of professional church staff is to equip and enable the development of lay leadership by facilitating training sessions and small focus groups for continuing education and support.

The Journey Inward

We begin our inward journey as a congregation by studying Scripture; understanding our Wesleyan heritage and beliefs; practicing personal disciplines of faith; and identifying spiritual gifts for ministry as preparation for the outward journey of witnessing and serving others. Those who wish to become compassionate companions will have additional small-group opportunities to discover their own spiritual gifts for ministry as well as develop specific understandings and skills associated with focused acts of caring. The full congregation can be involved in the overall mission and support of the caring ministries. The annual financial campaign can be designed to emphasize the mission aspect and to offer opportunities to advance the work financially even if one cannot be directly involved at the time. The goal of this ministry is transformation of the congregation as described by Paul, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God" (Rom. 12:2).

Becoming a Compassionate Congregation