The Caring Congregation By Rev. Dr. Penny L. Gadzini

The Caring Congregation By Rev. Dr. Penny L. Gadzini

“So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.”

-1 Thessalonians 2:8

             One Sunday during the week of Easter I returned to the congregation where I often worshiped in Rockland County. This is a congregation that was once dying; however the last six years have seen significant growth. Some months ago one of the members felt her heart ache as she heard the story of the daughter of her church friend. She began to pray for the young woman, who suffered from some sort of neurological disorder. As she prayed, she felt called by the Holy Spirit to start a prayer group in the church. Five people began to gather regularly to pray for the young woman as well as others whose needs came to their attention. The pastor, as well as small groups visited the young woman to sing hymns, share scripture and faith stories, to anoint and to pray. I was one of the ones who had the privilege to visit and pray.

             One Sunday, when I returned there to worship I was moved to tears when we sang a resurrection hymn, as I knew that the young woman who we visited and prayed with was there worshiping with us, and not only her, but two others we had prayed through life and death struggles as well. My heart and soul were filled with gratitude for the ways our risen Lord touches, heals and saves lives even today. I was also filled with gratitude for the vibrancy of congregations who care, and for my friend who started the prayer group. It’s true that prayers are sometimes not answered as we would hope, but in my experience, when we pray, the Spirit moves!

             One church which made forging a caring ministry their priority is the United Methodist Church (UMC) of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas.  Karen Lampe is one of the ministers there, and she wrote a wonderful little book about this ministry: “The Caring Congregation, How to become one and why it matters”. The UMC of the Resurrection grew dramatically as they began to see themselves as people of faith committed to healing and wholeness and set to the important work of creating a ministry of congregational care carefully designed to connect with people during their difficult times. At the UMC of the Resurrection hurting people find not only relief but also hope and companionship. They have successfully released the power of prayer, healing, nurture and Christian community.

             Key to the success of the care ministry at UMC of the Resurrection is the recruitment and training of volunteers with the gift of caring, a willingness to undergo a training program, as well as a commitment to pray, visit, support and be a companion to people walking through the valley of the shadow.

If you or someone you know is called to such a ministry, there’s Good News! An extensive training program is coming to Long Island, beginning in September: “Pastoral Care Specialist Training”. This is a two-year training program led by Penny Gadzini, Miriam Koo, and Joshua Jong, all three being ordained ministers who are also Blanton-Peale trained pastoral counselors. For a brochure and more information, call Penny Gadzini (917)287-0583, or e-mail pennygadzini@aol.com.