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Congregational Care

What does congregational care mean at Vision of Hope MCC? We look towards scripture in building our foundation and scripture reminds us that we are all called to care for one another.

John 13:34-35 reveals these words of Jesus: "I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Each of us is responsible for responding to a need when we encounter one. So, when you receive a call or card or a word of encouragement from one member of the community of faith, then you are receiving care from the whole community of faith. We must change our mindset from believing that congregational care only occurs when it is done by the pastor or the deacons to understanding that we are a community supporting one other. Each member of the community of faith is a foundational part of the congregational care team at Vision of Hope MCC.

Flock Watchers
With the belief that all of us are a part of the congregational care team, we have designed our congregational care program to meet the needs of our community. First, congregational care happens in small groups. Each small group selects someone to be the groups "Flock Watcher." Each individual, who is not a member of a small group, is also assigned a "Flock Watcher." What is the purpose of this ministry? "Flock Watchers" are available to encourage you in your journey, keep you connected to Vision of Hope MCC, as well as connect you to resources available through Vision of Hope, and to pray for you.

Watering Souls VOH Response Team
"Flock Watchers" are available for encouragement but what happens when there is a critical issue? The "Watering Souls VOH Response Team" is the ministry created to handle critical congregational care issues. The "Watering Souls VOH Response Team" is a team of people trained in congregational care who are available to help people through difficult times.

How does this team work? First, determine if the issue is critical. How do you know if the issue is critical? Here are some guide lines: life threatening or serious illness of self or "family member," long-term challenge including addictions, significant relationship issues, hospital visits, an issues affecting participation or attendance at Vision of Hope MCC, questions concerning the Bible and homosexuality as well as coming out issues, benevolence requests, something spiritual debilitating.

Prayer Team
Prayer is an important aspect of congregational care. We have a dedicated prayer team, composed of special people who are willing to pray.

Card Ministry
It is wonderful to receive a card which let's you know someone is thinking about you, cares about you - that you have't been forgotten. The leader of our card ministry makes sure that those who need a little encouragement receive cards in a timely manner.

 

 

 

 

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