The Church’s Ministry with Dementia Online Teaching Series Returns for a Third Cohort!

Dive Deeper:

The list of ministry opportunities can seem overwhelming: There is worship on Sunday that requires a sermon, liturgy, and music; then there are administrative tasks and meetings; then there are children’s and youth ministries, community engagements, and a sermon to write. Parishioners stop by for counseling and consolation. And let’s not forget about hospital visits, small groups and Bible studies, another sermon to write, and then visiting the homebound. When we can’t seem to fit it all in, what gets dropped? It’s not likely to be the sermon or administrative tasks. In many churches, what gets dropped is visiting the homebound. Whose job is this anyway? Is it the pastor’s responsibility? Is it the congregation’s responsibility? Or does it belong to both?

In no way is this series meant to cause guilt or shame. Perhaps what is needed is a reframing of the care ministries—reframing it so that instead of its being on the periphery, it is seen as an integral part of the discipleship of the whole church.

This course will be available for $50 and offers one (1) continuing education unit (CEU) upon course completion.

Outcomes:

Some of the main outcomes of this course include:

1. A basic understanding of dementia and its prevalence.
2. An ability to reflect on dementia as a theological challenge and opportunity.
3. An understanding of the relationship between Incarnation and the ministry of presence.
4. Sensitivity to seeing God incarnate in those with dementia.
5. Insight and tools for entering the world of people with dementia.
6. An understanding of Christian discipleship as being more than mere belief.
7. Identification of contributions the church can make to people affected by dementia and gifts people with dementia can provide the church.
8. Care for those who look after those living with dementia.

Testimonials:

Here’s a short sampling of testimonials from participants who have completed this course:

“I have learned so much from this class! But I'm most grateful for the reminders to work ‘with’ not ‘for’ people. It's a lesson I've witnessed many times in varied settings, and I am so glad to be reminded that the same principle applies to those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. There are so many of us who want to help, but we need to be reminded that our desire to ‘do good’ must never come before our duty to ‘do no harm.’ Thank you for opening my eyes.” - Licensed local pastor in the Indiana Conference

“This has been a most enlightening study. I have become aware of so much more and feel the book has given me more direction as a pastor with whom I minister... I tell everyone to read this book, it is so helpful.” - Denise Bender, Deacon in the Mountain Sky Conference

“I am really glad to have all these resources available in one place. The thing that I am most glad to know is that there are places to which I can refer my congregants for their own learning and that we don't have to totally invent a ministry pattern…I will use many of these websites and books to build our program.” - Dorothy Countryman, local pastor in rural Southern Ohio

Register Today!