After the Example of Christ: Congregational Care Model

"For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (John 13:15, NRSV)

With the dawn of the new millennium, one person in eight is now over 65, and 62 percent of United Methodist membership is over 50. The baby boomers, who have been a driving force in our society since they burst on the scene after World War II, are now reaching the half-century mark and, by 2010, will be turning 65. In addition, the fastest growing age group in our society is now age 85 and over. Medical advances allow us to live longer, more active lives. The long-anticipated "graying of America" is now a reality, and the church is being challenged to address the needs, interests, and abilities of this portion of our congregations and communities. Older adults are generally thought to be the recipients of congregational care and, considering the sheer number of the very elderly alive today, they present a major need for caring ministry. Older adults now include, however, a large group of "young" seniors who are in reality often an energetic, committed segment of our congregations. They are well educated and strong in leadership skills, full of wisdom gained from both the joys and heartaches of life, reared with a strong biblical component in their daily lives, steeped in United Methodist tradition, and imbued with a deep desire and intrinsic need to serve. In light of increasing numbers of early retirees living longer, healthier lives, older adults offer time, experience, and altruistic motivation that can be the cornerstone for caring ministries in the church. Life is often described as a journey. The outward journey brings us into contact with our world and provides countless opportunities for ministry. But we risk missing some of those opportunities if we have not made a deliberate journey inward to strengthen our relationship with God. Jesus began his ministry by calling people to this same relationship and teaching them to care for each other by his own example of servant leadership, banding his followers together in mutual love and support.

A Model for Ministry

This model for becoming a caring congregation is guided by Jesus' example of servant ministry. It draws heavily on the wisdom and life experiences of senior adults and offers meaningful service for semi-retired, newly retired, and long-retired individuals and groups as providers of compassionate care and as guides/mentors for younger generations called to this ministry. A broad spectrum of age groups joins in diverse ministries designed to provide compassionate care, companionship, and essential services to others of all ages experiencing loss through illness, death, divorce, and so on. The entire congregation is included in the mission through sermons, small-group studies, fundraisers to finance the work, and the practice of faith disciplines to undergird the program. The role of professional church staff is to equip and enable the development of lay leadership by facilitating training sessions and small focus groups for continuing education and support.

The Journey Inward

We begin our inward journey as a congregation by studying Scripture; understanding our Wesleyan heritage and beliefs; practicing personal disciplines of faith; and identifying spiritual gifts for ministry as preparation for the outward journey of witnessing and serving others. Those who wish to become compassionate companions will have additional small-group opportunities to discover their own spiritual gifts for ministry as well as develop specific understandings and skills associated with focused acts of caring. The full congregation can be involved in the overall mission and support of the caring ministries. The annual financial campaign can be designed to emphasize the mission aspect and to offer opportunities to advance the work financially even if one cannot be directly involved at the time. The goal of this ministry is transformation of the congregation as described by Paul, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God" (Rom. 12:2).

Becoming a Compassionate Congregation

1. Encountering the Example of Christ
All aspects of our ministry must be grounded in Scripture, specifically the distinctively Christian story of Jesus, in order to develop an understanding of servant ministry. Although much of the content of sermons and study material used in our denomination centers around the ministry of Jesus, a series of sermons and studies illuminating his compassionate acts and teachings could be developed to help the congregation comprehend the concept of servant ministry. As we delve into the Scriptures, we encounter the example of Jesus Christ as servant leader. Items bearing the letters WWJD — an acronym for "What would Jesus do?" — are currently very popular, reminding us to consider the action Jesus would take in a difficult situation. But to act accordingly, one must first know how Jesus behaved, knowledge gained by focused study of his life as recorded in the Bible.

First-century evangelists carried the new faith with them as they journeyed to far-flung parts of the ancient world, modeling the early church after the example of Christ. Shaped by communal concerns during times of change and adversity, caring for and supporting one another during dangerous attacks from the outside world, and ensuring the survival of the faith by crystallizing beliefs and teaching new converts strengthened their commitment to God and to their shared faith.

If possible, begin training compassionate companions with a retreat to facilitate group building and help participants focus on discernment without distraction. A weekend retreat apart would be ideal, but an all-day session at the church could be used as well. The purpose of the retreat is to further examine the concept of servant ministry after the example of Christ, which is integral to this program. This will be accomplished through a close study of the life of Jesus. Numerous studies are available, or you can create your own based on knowledge of specific needs of the congregation and community. The emphasis is on reflecting on the directives Jesus gave to the disciples through words and actions and reimagining how they can be applied in our contemporary setting.

2. Exploring the Wesleyan Traditions of Social Ethics and World Parish
After his ill-fated journey to the colonies, John Wesley returned to England dejected and discouraged. Following his "Aldersgate experience," however, he began a reform movement in the Anglican Church that laid the foundation for our modern denomination. Going beyond the church walls to people in fields, factories, and slums, he put his new fervor into action by addressing social issues of his day. His brand of "practical divinity," modeled after the example of Christ, put religion into practice. Essential to his model, however, was that his followers understand their scriptural mandate and the role of grace in their lives. Wesley's focus on grace still informs our belief that good works are a grateful response to, not a precursor of, the gift of God's grace and that the joy of realizing that grace elicits in us the desire to witness and serve in God's name. The practice of spiritual disciplines and personal accountability regarding the work they were doing for God solidified the early Methodists.

In this era of transition and mobility, denominational loyalty has become a concern for mainstream religions. Many in the congregation may not have a clear understanding of our United Methodist heritage, doctrine, and traditions. Wesley's vision of the work of the church is central to how we live out our faith and the foundation for caring ministry. Sermons illustrating Wesley's vision as well as Sunday school lessons or age-appropriate classes on our beliefs can help inform people of all ages. Studies for all ages are available, but innovative lay leaders may want to develop their own activities to address local needs.

3. Practicing Personal Disciplines of Faith
Part of the inward journey is the faithful practice of personal spiritual disciplines, including prayer, meditation, Scripture reading, and Christ-like action. Many United Methodists are surprised to learn that fasting is a part of our faith heritage. Setting aside time to be with God through study, prayer, and meditation helps us focus with renewed commitment on Christ's example and opens our hearts and minds to new opportunities for service.

4. Discovering Spiritual Gifts
Many in the congregation may also be unfamiliar with the concept of spiritual gifts and their role in communal life. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul presents a lengthy dissertation on the many and varied gifts of the spirit which, when practiced in an orderly manner, he feels will restore the much-needed koinonia (Christian community) in the fractious congregation. Sharing our gifts in love for one another and instructing the community of faith helps reestablish the koinonia present in the early church by strengthening an understanding of our call to community and by providing opportunities for communal practices.

Many are led to compassionate ministry after living through painful personal experiences. Older adults have often suffered many losses, e.g., jobs, loved ones, physical abilities — losses that can strengthen their gifts for being present for others. Those who will be serving as compassionate companions will benefit from small-group discussions of the works of Henri Nouwen on using our wounds to care for others, books on developing spiritual gifts, and guided self-study on identifying their gifts for ministry.

5. Learning Necessary Skills
Although only some will become compassionate companions working directly with individuals, give the entire membership opportunities to learn effective ministry skills to use in their daily lives. General instruction on being present for others can be conveyed through sermons or articles in newsletters or bulletins, while more in-depth study of specific topics is addressed through speakers for church suppers, UMW and UMM programs, and Sunday school classes. An ongoing compassionate ministry training program, with concentrated initial study as well as continuing education and support, will help participants develop their gifts and provide valuable assistance to the pastor and professional staff in providing care for the congregation and community.

The Journey Outward

In previous generations, society supported religious institutions in general and the Christian church in particular. Businesses closed on Sunday, no meetings were held on Wednesday nights, and spring break and winter holidays always fell in conjunction with Easter and Christmas. Now, in our pluralistic society, in an effort to allow for the equitable practice of a multitude of religious faiths, soccer leagues schedule matches on Sunday mornings, meetings are held every night of the week, spring break comes whenever, and winter holidays may in the near future not include Christmas. The perils facing the church persist; the form has just changed. Although physical dangers may no longer threaten us, the influence of our secular society still seeks to weaken the role of the church in the world.

The twenty-first-century church has much in common with the first-century church and the world of Wesley's early Methodists. Jesus depended on his disciples to continue his teaching so that others could be led to servant ministry. Wesley created guidelines and accountability to prepare his followers to further his work. As the future of Jesus' ministry hinged on a sometimes seemingly inept group of disciples to ensure its survival, so the future of the modern church depends on the present membership to be good stewards of the faith, to tell the Christian story, to hear the cry of the needy, and to make disciples to assure that succeeding generations will perpetuate the church. The continuation of the church is always only one generation from extinction. Church leaders must offer models for transmitting our beliefs and practices to the next generations. Older adults who have long practiced the spiritual disciplines of our denomination represent the keepers of our faith and are the experienced tellers of the Story.

Confronting the Needs of Our World

Following is a brief list of suggestions for programs that older adults can help organize in local congregations. In some, they may facilitate the activities; in others, they may serve as advisors. In either capacity, they play a vital role as mentors and guides for younger generations seeking to serve after the example of Christ.

Spiritual

Compassionate Companions (Stephen Ministers if available)
Trained confidential companions provide a comforting presence and a listening ear through visits, phone calls, e-mail, and so on.

Service of Hope
Worship service during Advent for those who are experiencing loss.

Healing services

Home Communion
Trained lay members celebrate Communion in the homes of homebound as directed by pastor.

Worship tapes
Audio and/or videotapes of services delivered by lay visitors to help the homebound stay connected to the church.

Bible study

Retirement community outreach

• Retirement communities offer excellent opportunities for service by older adults through studies, worship services, friendly visits, transportation to worship.
• Residents can be invited to join in church fellowship activities.
• Inspirational notes and tray favors can be made by one group and delivered by another.
• Bedridden patients can be invited to participate in intercessory prayer as well as receive visits.

Sunday School by Telephone

• Intentional intercessory prayer ministry.
• Homebound are guided in offering intercessory prayer for individuals, the church, and the world.

Vigils

• Onsite prayer vigils for religious holidays, mission projects, or other identified needs
• Homebound can be assigned a time to pray in their homes.

Support Groups/Activities for Persons with Terminal/Chronic Illness or Crises

Patient

• Support groups
• Compassionate Companion/Stephen Minister

Families

Adults

• Support groups — grandparents, Adult Children of Aging Parents
• Compassionate Companion/Stephen Minister
• Congregational respite

Onsite model
Trained members of the congregation provide care for frail elderly or persons with dementia at the church to give caregivers a break for a few hours — on a weekday or during worship.

In-home model
Trained members of the congregation provide care for frail elderly or persons with dementia in their homes to give caregivers a break for a few hours — on a weekday or during worship.

Services

Respite sitters
A registry of sitters for the elderly or ill is kept for caregivers.

Errands — teens, adults
Short errands can offer an opportunity for involvement even when time is limited.

Lawncare — teens, adults

Transportation
Provided for medical visits, errands, church functions.

Kids' activities — kids' day out, retreats
Special events with adult leaders and youth trained to work with children experiencing grief.

Meal delivery
Volunteers deliver meals to homebound as part of church suppers.

Contacts — e-mail, calls, cards

Medical equipment
Supply durable medical equipment in good condition for borrowing. Can be administered by phone while stored at church or another member's home.

Resources and information
A guide to resources available in the community is kept and updated by a staff person or volunteer.

Homebound could serve as resource contacts.

Jan Durham is a member of theNorth Georgia Annual Conference. She co-wrote a manual on congregational respite with the Atlanta Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer Division, Georgia Department of Aging.