Deacons Ministry - Caring Skills

SERVING THROUGH CARING

SERVING THROUGH CARINGFirst Baptist Church Bonny IslandJerry Akinsola,[email protected]+2348033804982

The Equipping Christian Ministry


What is Caring?


Caring IncludesIdentifying with a person or group Responding to needs of othersProviding what is necessary for the wellbeing of someone or some thing.


Why is Caring Important?


Why Care?Jesus Expects us to do so.The Early Church cared.People Need ItIt Grows the ChurchIt develops caregivers


How Can You Show others thatYou Care?


To serve effectively as a Deacon you need to regularly exercise the following basic caring skills...


9 Basic Caring Skills


ListenListening: The deacon must learn to listen. In listening you should expect revelations and shocking personal disclosures. Learn to keep calm.Listening is essential for discernment.

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Build Trust: Building Trust: The deacon should be trustworthy. Betrayal of trust will shatter the ministry of care. Keep confidential issues secret. Seek consent if you must make disclosures.

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Ask Appropriate Question Asking Appropriate Question : Ask feeling questions. Ask clarifying questions. Let your questions go beyond focusing on facts.

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Respond Appropriately: Respond appropriately to the information you receive. Appropriate caring response could either be suggesting a course of action, explain an issue, assuring the person, or seek further information.

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ShareSharing is a basic expression of care. You definitely need to share time and space with the people you are ministering to. There are times you would need to share your ideas, experiences and resources.

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Use Scripture and Prayers: Know the Word and apply it. The Word of God is His solution to our problems. Ensure that any portion of scripture used is relevant. Be natural when praying. Make your prayer meaningful.

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Make Decisions: Solving Problems usually demand making decisions. We helping people make sure you are not treating surface problems. Encourage decisiveness. Talks with no conclusions often become recurrent talks.

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Follow Ups: Once you start helping a person in problem solving, you need to follow through with notes or visits. You should make referral if time or knowledge will not permit you to continue.

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ReportIt is important to share your care ministry outcomes with the pastoral leadership. Let the recipients of your ministry know that you are operating under a delegated ministry.

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Four groups aDeacon needs to specially care for


As a Deacon you need to Care for your.


Caring For Your Spouse and Household1 Tim 5:8, Psalm 78:3-4,7,


A Guide for caring for your home


Caring For Your Pastors1 Tim 5:17 18, Galatians 6:6, Heb.13:17


A Guide for caring for your PastorKnow Your PastorAccept your pastor and his or her spouseProvide Resources for Ministry Exposure and Tools


A Guide for caring for your PastorMeet for his or her financial needsPromote the ministry of your PastorProvide Spiritual Backup


Caring For Your MembersFeed my Sheep John 21:15-17


Four Vulnerable Classes of Members


Guide forMinistering to Families and Special Groups (Students, Professionals, etc)


Five Essentials for Caring for Families and


Five Essentials for Caring for Families


Guide for Ministering to the Hospitalised


HOSPITAL VISITATION MINISTRYThe sick provide the deacon a great opportunity or ministering. Four stages are involved in a hospital visitation that bears enduring fruit.


Stage 1:Prepare for the Ministry


Self-PreparationPlan for spiritual ministryHospital ministry is a time for serious, well-planned visitation.Gather all the information that you can about the patient, and their family. Prepare yourself with prayers


Self-PreparationGo only while you are in good health with no colds, e.t.cPack your kit bag (Bible, tracts, cards, note pads, biro)Dont worry about what to say. Being there is the important thing


Stage 2:At the Hospital


Heed Hospital SignsVisiting HoursObserve the hours set by the hospital.

Abide by hospital regulations Check at the nurses station.


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Heed Hospital SignsThe Closed DoorKnock before entering, you are entering someones bedroom.Let Medical Care Take PriorityDoctor or Nurse.


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Stage 3:Visiting the Patient


Visiting the PatientThe physical condition of the patient should determine the length of your visitSelect and use religious resources (prayer, scripture, and tracts) with the specific needs of the person in mind.


Minister To The PatientBe sensitive to the patients comfort.Dont touch the patient unless he or she offers to shake hands.Dont give medical advice, or interpret medical equipment.


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Minister to the PatientDont rush the visit.Dont stay too long.Do watch for visitor overload.


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Minister to the PatientListen more than you talk.

Remember to pray for the patient and others.


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Minister to the PatientDo follow-up after the patient is at home.Dont make commitments you cannot fulfill.Do wash your hands after each visit.


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Stage 3: The Patients Family


The Patients familyStay with them as long as the stay is meaningful.Spend time with them listening actively/attentivelyPray with themNotify the pastor when you discover family needs.


CARING FOR THE BEREAVEDAND FAILURES


How Do PeopleFeel When theUnexpected Happens


The Grief Cycle

GuiltDepressionDistressDETACHMENTACCEPTANCEApathyIsolationResignationWithdrawal

Reorganization

LossPainAngerConfusionAnxietyDenialPeaceReleaseRenewalUnderstandingSHOCKDESPAIR


49Grief, although unique to every person, each person can react differentlyKenneth Murray gives us a graphic to understand the cycle and various stages of grief

CARING FOR THE BEREAVEDShock and numbness. It is usually marked by denial (a struggle between fantasy and reality). Despair: Guilt and anger (directed at self or others).Detachment: Loneliness, apathy, resignation and withdrawalsAcceptance of need to keep the struggle aliveRecovery and release of ones self


Caring for the GrievingPresence: Use the power of your presence. Visitation matters.Listen: Allow the person to express his or her feelings. Let them talk or cry.


Caring for the GrievingPractical Service: Provide practical support. Cook. Run errands.Follow-up: Provide spiritual support. Pray for and with them.


Ministry To The Grieving: DosDo give attention to other family members. Especially the children.Do pray.Do call or visit often afterwards.Do make contact on the one-year anniversary of the death of the loved one.


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Ministry To The Grieving: DontsDont avoid the bereaved.Dont say, I understand.Dont tell irrelevant or long stories.Dont cry.


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MINISTERINGTO CHURCH DROP-OUTS


Church Drop-outs are those are expressing a diminishing passionto fellowship and serve in your Congregation.


Why People Drop Out ChurchDoctrine Disturbing or hereticalDivisions in the bodyDisciplineDisappointments (Desires Doubts)Devil - Demons


THE DROP-OUT PROCESS


CARING FOR CHURCH DROPOUTSDont mention the church at first. Let the dropout talk about himself, family, jobs and problems.Dont argue or criticize as he or she states his or her position.


CARING FOR CHURCH DROPOUTSExpress your concern about his relationship with God. Suggest possibilities Share avenue of dealing with spiritual apathy that you or others have experienced.


CARING FOR CHURCH DROPOUTSIf the visited becomes impatient, terminate the conversation, and set a date for another visit.


Caring ForStrangersTitus 1:8


A Guide for Ministering to Strangers


A Guide for Ministering to Strangers


Care Ministry Is Meeting NeedsCaring is a Verb.


In ConclusionWhen Deacons serve as effective care givers:God is glorifiedPeople are blessed


In ConclusionThe Church growsThey (the servants) are exaltedCaring is a Verb.Go Do It!
