Lay Pastoral Care Giving is a term used to describe a program of providing pastoral care to the members of a congregation using laity that have gone through a training program and are assigned and supported by the pastor. In the Bible we learn much about the gifts within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 offers magnificent words about the purpose of these gifts “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building the body of Christ until all of us come to the unity of the faith.” We constantly affirm and speak of the priesthood of all believers. The lay people are at the core of every aspect of ministry.
To a large extent lay pastoral care is simply being present. This course of training will enable lay people to share their gift of ministry with those who are unable to be physically present at worship service, for whatever reasons, and share the love of God with those who need it most. Participants in this training will learn how to prayerfully prepare for and complete a scheduled visit with the people to whom they are assigned, write-up a “verbatim” of that visit, then report back to their church pastor with their observations. In addition, they will learn how to recognize and address the signs of depression, grief, and dementia. However, this program is not designed to train lay people to become pastoral counselors.
As we face scheduling demands of 24/7 needs, we must turn to a team approach to ministry in a caring and compassionate way that supports our pastors and utilizes the gifts of the laity for service. Through the Holy Spirit, we are given all we need to serve the Lord’s people. Lay pastoral care giving is the path I have chosen, and I pray you will join me on this journey.
This class will meet weekly, beginning June 5, 2024. We will meet from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Farwell United Methodist Church, 281 East Ohio Street, Farwell, MI. This is a five-week study that will continue on June 12, 19, 26 and July 3. To register for the class, please email Janice Buckley at: buckley7878@charter.net or call (989) 424-9119 before May 31, 2024. Study materials will be provided, but you may want to purchase the textbook for this class, as a reference guide: Lay Pastoral Care Giving by Timothy M. Farabaugh. Please bring your favorite Bible translation and an open mind.
Meeting Dates: 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, & 7/3
Meeting Times: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Meeting Location: Farwell United Methodist Church 281 E. Ohio St., Farwell MI