This course will inform and empower your congregation to be able to provide lay pastoral caregiving alongside a supportive pastor. Offered in a two-week session, “Lay Pastoral Caregiving” is an important addition to church fellowship and community outreach. God’s gifts to everyone can be utilized in this ministry, whether through personalized visits, prayers, providing rides, sending cards, staying in touch with the homebound, or countless other methods. You will learn how to create a lay pastoral caregiving ministry with discernment and prayer, selecting and training those who feel called to this important ministry. You also will explore how to identify a leader who will organize and train the laity. Doing God’s work is rewarding and a blessing both to the recipient and to the pastoral caregiver.
An optional Zoom meeting will be held for 50 minutes on each Friday at 3pm Central Time/4pm Eastern Time. This will be a time to ask questions about the course/assignments and to get acquainted with your fellow learners. The meetings will not be recorded.
Learners are required to have Lay Pastoral Care Giving by Timothy M. Farabaugh.
This course has been approved by Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries. It provides the required 10 contact hours.
This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $105
CEUs: 1.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: Yes, optional
Certification or Series: Yes (Lay Servant Ministries)
Read course description for details.
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About the Instructor
Gail Compton is a retired associate pastor for congregational care with the Kimberling City (MIssouri) Methodist Church. As a Certified Lay Minister, a Certified Congregational Leader, and an associate pastor for caregiving, she has extensive experience in congregational pastoral care and has taught this course in many churches. Her proven ability to help congregations establish lay pastoral caregiving programs will help guide you through establishing a similar program in your congregation. Gail also is a Certified Hospice Chaplain with Compassus Hospice and before retirement served in various church roles. She now lives in Springfield, Mo., and is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Past Learners Said…
“This was an excellent class. The instructor was caring and well-prepared. The class members shared their stories and helped the learning process. I highly recommend this course.”
“I didn’t know this type of ministry existed. It was an outstanding experience.”
“The course and instructor opened me up to feel God’s presence and listen to His nudgings.”
“The needs of the elderly in chapter 11 was one of the most enlightening section of the textbook.”
