Member Care & Training Personal Growth Conference

What is the need?

Some churches are known for inspiring preaching or worship, others for dynamic youth programs, and still others for attracting seekers to the Gospel. All great things that we certainly need. But how many of our churches are distinguished by the depth and breadth of its caring, where people reach out to each other, really listen to one another, and minister to each others’ needs? The pastor alone can’t do it all. It takes all of us to create a caring culture in our congregations.

George Barna, president of the Barna Research Group, writes:

“Our studies show that church-goers expect their pastor to juggle an average of 16 major tasks. That's a recipe for failure - nobody can handle the wide range of responsibilities that people expect pastors to master… Ultimately, the only way a pastor can succeed in ministry is to create a team of gifted and compatible believers who work together in loving people and pursuing a commonly held vision.”

- George Barna, “A Profile of Protestant Pastors in Anticipation of Pastor Appreciation Month,'" The Barna Update, September 25, 2001

This training seminar is designed to show ministry leaders how to share some of the caring responsibilities that pastors sometimes shoulder alone. It is designed to help church leaders better care for the people they lead and those the church is trying to reach. Its purpose is to help equip people to do the work of ministry that will enrich lives through caring and compassionate relationships that Jesus calls us to pursue.

Where is the Caring Congregations Conference Held?

We come to you. We hold the conference at your church or retreat facility, usually on a Saturday, to make it as convenient as possible for your ministry leaders and other interested church members to attend.

Who should attend?

Anyone working with people will benefit from this seminar, including those in ministries such as

Bible studies
Small groups
Men’s ministry
Women’s ministry
Children’s ministry
Worship
Evangelism
Missions
Sunday school
Youth work
Church leadership

Topics covered

Relationships Are Everything. The importance of relationships to God. Pursuing relationships as Jesus does in Mark 6: 45-52. How most problems are relationship problems. Helping people improve the relationships in their lives. Dealing with conflict, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Applying Romans 12 to our relationships. Becoming a more caring person. Shepherding the sheep in our lives.

It's All About Listening. Listening - the gift everyone wants, but so few are willing to give. Avoiding the listening responses that make things worse. Improving our listening skills. How to draw people out to tell their stories. How Jesus listened. Figuring out what’s going on in the stories people tell us. Caring enough to ask good questions. Coping with our urge to fix people and their problems. The listening life.

To schedule this one-day conference for your church, or for more information, contact John Certalic at 262.641-9600 ext. 3200 or john@caringforothers.org.


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