Caring For Your Congregation:

One of the key defining moments in your ministry is going to be when you respond to the first pastoral care emergency. What will your plan be in responding to the following situations so no one burns out or is taken advantage of:
• When a member is hospitalized?
• When there is a death in the family?
• When child protective services becomes involved in a congregation members life?
• When there is a marriage break down?
• When there is the birth of a child?
• When a family member is arrested and involved in the legal process?

Are you equipped to handle these and other similar situations? Are you able to begin building your network so hurting people will receive adequate care?

Decision Making Process:

Accountability is essential in establishing a structure that will stand the test of time. The following are to help so no one ends up in an "untouchable" or God-like position, as this will lead to a moral failure:
• How many people will be required on the board of directors?
• How many people will be required to agree on a matter before a high impact decision is made?
• Who will be the accountability partner for the person or people who prepare the teaching?
• What will the process be and the fellowship involvement look like for setting the church annual budget?

Volunteered Resources:

Over time volunteer hours are what drive a ministry forward. The following is to help you prepare and manage people as a resource:
• What training will need to be provided for specific tasks?
• What support system will need to be implemented so people aren't taken advantage of and to protect volunteers from burning out in the name of God?
• What venue will you establish so volunteers may voice their concerns to maintain the health of the fellowship?
• What will the process be for reimbursement? What dollar value or pre-approval level will be required when materials are purchased on behalf of the fellowship?
• Are you requiring certain volunteer positions be filled only by those who are members of the fellowship?
• Are you requiring criminal background record checks be performed for those who assume responsibility of and oversee the children's ministry?

High Risk Individuals:

Some individuals in society require more care and attention to live a full and healthy lifestyle. These questions are to help you prepare to care for these individuals without burning out:
• After identifying a high needs individual are you able to network with other community resources to help guide this person to wholeness through both activities and counseling focused workshops?
• Are you able to gently guide these individuals to people you judge would make good friends?
• Is there a senior citizen of the same gender you know of who might be able to mentor this individual?
• Is there a task which may be assigned to help this individual to contribute to the church fellowship?
• Are there reading materials you may give this individual to help them in their life?