 |
| |
| The following was excerpted from Conspire to Care: Principles for Recruiting, Retaining and Training Volunteers for Church-Based Healthcare Initiatives by Valerie Calderon. |
 |
Nita Davidson, a health ministry volunteer, recalls the day a presumably healthy middle-aged man came to have his blood pressure checked. The reading was 180/100--unexpectedly and dangerously high.
Nita's first instinct was to send the man directly to an emergency room, but he agreed to see a physician immediately for a more thorough examination. With the help of prescription medication to alleviate his hypertension, this husband and father is continuing to lead a healthy lifestyle.
As a retired nurse educator, Nita knows that the application of her expertise as a volunteer with her church's health and wellness programs could potentially save a life. Nita and other professionals on the blood pressure screening team at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL screened over 3,300 people last year, many with high blood pressure.
Persistent hypertension is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and it could also be symptomatic of pre-existing illness. Nita is overjoyed when she helps curb the onset of a potentially serious health condition.
| Churches such as Dawson Memorial are taking intentional steps toward life change by initiating, planning and implementing healthcare initiatives. Fundamental to the task is recruiting, retaining and training professional and lay volunteers who become the foundation of a viable ministry. |
|
The process may seem daunting, but many churches are proving that it can be done. By understanding some common principles in the volunteer mobilization process, churches may begin experiencing the joy of sharing God's hope, healing and love with those in need through healthcare ministries.
Friendly Faces
Leaders of successful church-based healthcare initiatives agree that most volunteers are recruited through established relationships.
Pat Frosch directs programs for the Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) in Grapevine, TX, which meets various needs for people in the surrounding community--including food, emergency assistance and medical care.
"We have been really successful . . .
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
| |
Church Strategy Summit in Dallas
The Christian Management Association (CMA) is offering a new Church Strategy Summit as part of its National Conference--April 21-24, 2008 in Dallas, TX. Workshop leaders include Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson of www.secondchairleaders.com and Larry Osborne from North Coast Church in Vista, CA . . .
Awaken 2008 at Mosaic
Awaken 2008 is an invitation into the imagination of some of today's most inspiring spiritual leaders. Join a 3-day conversation between uniquely different voices, generations, styles, passions and perspectives--April 1-3, 2008 at Mosaic in Pasadena, CA . . .
Church Spending on Social Assistance
In a survey of social services that churches provide for their communities, 43% of American congregations spend less than 10% of their budgets on social services in their community, while 12% spend more than 30%. . .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
"Multi-Site Exposed" Dates Announced
Leadership Network is partnering with nine leading multi-site churches to bring this event to three cities. Don't miss this chance to network with hundreds of multi-site leaders. |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
A group of American churches are innovating around the challenge of identifying, equipping and releasing marketplace leaders for significant ministry assignments-both inside and outside the church.
In this paper you will explore essential elements for achieving a world-changing goal: Get marketplace leaders in the ministry game, and keep weaving values, people and systems together to ensure long-term viability.
Everything Must Change Tour 2008
Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian, is launching an 11-city "Everything Must Change" conference tour this month. Further information regarding the events and McLaren's latest book, Everything Must Change, can be found at www.deepshift.org. |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
| |
Visit Leadership Network Advance Archives for valuable information on a variety of ministry topics, including the links to recent issues listed below. Select MORE for the full list of Advance archives.
|
|
|
|
|
