Congregational Care Team Ministry

Demonstrating Christ's call to compassionate ministry

In 2000, the 212th General Assembly took action "to reclaim the ministry of health to those affected by life-challenging disease" in congregations. The Assembly directed the General Assembly Council to "educate, train and empower" interested church members in the "care team" model of caring ministry.

Congregational Care Team Ministry is not a new approach to ministry. For a number of years the Presbyterian AIDS Network has successfully used a "care team" model of ministering with those whose lives have been impacted by the consequences of HIV/AIDS.

Helpers on Call: a Care Team of Navarre Presbyterian Church, in the Florida Presbytery.

Congregations, in one way or another, have always provided care for their members and neighbors. This has been evidenced in the ministries of the session and the deacons, the pastoral care of pastors, the one-on-one care of Stephen Ministers and the health ministries of parish nurses. Care giving has, of course, also happened informally, time and time again, as church members have organized to provide care for the real life needs of another.

Learn what other congregations are doing

Northminister Presbyterian Church in Peoria has just implemented a new ministry called Angel's Arms. This is a program designed to assist any family with children who have need for special accommodations or who have atypical needs such as autism, cystic fibrosis, dwarfism or cerebral palsy. The program strives to serve any child who has a diagnosis or condition that creates a need for extra support or help in the family. [Read more]

Congregational Care Team Resources

Congregational Care of vulnerable People in Cold Weather
Extremely cold weather makes life more difficult for people who are vulnerable because of chronic health conditions, people who are on fixed incomes, frail people, poor people who live in housing that is drafty and poorly insulated and homeless people and animals who live out doors.If you know someone in one of the categories listed above, as a minimum, check on him/her routinely during the harsh weather.  Check on him/her in person since someone might hesitate to reveal her/his situation. [Read more]

Practical ideas for supporting military families
Families, congregations and communities throughout the US are impacted by military deployment. The human cost of deployment is enormous for families. If your congregation has already organized congregational care teams, dedicating teams to support families of deployed military personnel is a great way to encourage care teams in compassionate support and care. If your congregation is looking or a time and place to begin Care Team Ministry, this is a wonderful opportunity.
[read more] [download pdf]

Calling on Congregational Care Teams
Our society is aging and family caregivers are overextended. If your congregation hasn't begun a care team yet, perhaps these statistics will help you decide the time is right. [ Learn more ]

Frequently Asked Questions about Congregational Care Teams
Learn more about Congregational Care Teams with these questions and answers. [ Learn more ]

Congregational Caregiving Using Special Pet Partners (C-CUSP)
Pet partners can become effective members of congregational care teams.
[ Learn more ]

The Care Team Exploration Guide
This guide can be used as a first step in the process of care team development. It should provide general answers to many questions that arise as you determine whether or not your congregation will develop a care team ministry.
[ Get the Care Team Exploration Guide ]

The Care Team Implementation Guide
As you implement a care team in your congregation, this guide will be helpful as you organization and get started.
[ Get the Care Team Implementation Guide ]

Special Commissioning Service for Care Teams
This service is designed to allow the "Care Team" an opportunity to feel a part in the ministry of care for your congregation.

Download the commissioning service.

Care Team Ministry Grants and Resources
A listing of grants and resources available to assist congregations and middle governing bodies in the development and support of care team ministry. [ Learn more ]

Mission Project: Caring Kits
Share with the care giver that she/he is cared about and have permission to take time for her/himself.
[ Learn more ]

Don't Sit on the Bed
A brief guide for those who visit patients in the hospital
Sometimes we hesitate to visit congregational members who are hospitalized because we are not totally comfortable in a hospital situation or around someone who is ill. This resource will give some guidelines for hospital visitations. [ Learn more ]

"Being Present" With Those Who Grieve
Learn helpful and compassionate approaches toward grieving friends and family. [ Learn more ]

How Care Teams Can Ease the Transition to Long Term Care
Learn how care teams can ease the transition of congregation members moving into long term care facilities. [ Learn more ]

Tips for Care Teams Assisting Those in Long Term Care
Learn tips in assisting congregation members who are living in a long term care facility. [ Learn more ]

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