This course on ministering to people living with dementia is a response to a compelling call, as cases of cognitive impairment under the umbrella term “dementia” are increasing rapidly. It is built on the foundational conviction that the Christian faith significantly broadens how people living with cognitive impairment are viewed and treated in the church and beyond. Families in our congregations face fears and stereotypes about dementia, often more than about any other disease. This course encourages us to see and serve persons living with dementia through a spiritual lens, as disciples and active participants in God’s mission. Its goal is to equip lay servants to build relationships and lead ministries that recognize and serve the full personhood and spiritual needs of those affected by dementia, including the family caregivers.
Learners need to obtain this book: Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia through a Spiritual Lens by Kenneth L. Carder
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: $75
CEUs: 1.0
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: No
Certification or Series: Yes (Lay Servant Ministries)
Read course description for details.
New to BeADisciple?
Read how BeADisciple courses work
About the Instructor
Barbara is a Certified Grief Companion, trained by LifeNet Health in 2005. She supports bereaved parents and grandparents through the early stages of grief following the sudden loss of a child, as well as individuals experiencing other significant losses or life transitions. Barbara has promoted grief companioning as a ministry, frequently speaking at meetings of United Methodist Women. As a Lay Supply Pastor, she has witnessed the effects of dementia on congregational life. For more than 20 years, she has been an active instructor, training coordinator, and advocate for Lay Servant Ministries. Her gifts in administration, leadership, and service are the foundation of her commitment to organize and lead the advanced lay servant course, “Ministry With People Living With Dementia.”
Past Learners Said…
“The book is excellent! The assignments and responses to daily discussions among class members were extremely valuable. I have taken away much that I can use in my ministry.”
“I learned that even when a person with dementia has lost all cognitive abilities, they still have deep spiritual needs. One of the greatest of these is the need to know they are loved and not forgotten by God. It is the responsibility of the church community to recognize this and to continue offering care, compassion, and presence to those living with dementia.”
“The most important thing I learned is to focus on the spiritual aspect of dementia as well as the medical aspect. It affirmed the need to care for people with dementia in a spiritual, practical way, and to also care for the caregivers.”
“I learned that a person living with dementia never stops being a person! We are not just a patient ID number!”
“The course was very insightful in learning about dementia and giving perspectives that I, as a retired nurse and past caregiver for a mother with early-onset Alzheimer’s, had not had access to or thought deeply about since my mother’s passing.”
