SHEPHERD / PRAYER MINISTRY

AT FAITH AND GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

VISION: Looking for a way to implement continuous and intentional caring for and by the
congregation.

MISSION: To strengthen and encourage one another in the faith by providing information for
every member of Faith & Grace through the calling forth and equipping of lay people who are
gifted for this ministry.

REASONS FOR THIS MISSION:

1. Existing programs in most churches direct this care to people only in crisis or special
needs, but do not include the entire congregation on a continuing basis.
2. The Biblical basis is that every member ought to be cared for by others. This vision
recognized the need to do a better job of caring during the times of celebration, crisis,
victories, and everyday situations of life.
3. Lay people find a way to make use of their God given caring gifts.
4. Churches throughout the world have established lay ministry programs that have
confirmed that lay ministers are effective.
5.

PURPOSE OF THE SHEPHERD MINISTRY PROGRAM:

1. To increase the sense of fellowship and outreach among members through regular
contact, phoning, cards and other expressions of care, to supply information and prayer.
2. To be information arm of the church welcoming new members to Faith & Grace.
3. To promote the equipping of each member, nurturing and comforting all people and
strengthening one another in faith.

STRATEGY: “P.A.C.E.” YOURSELF!

P Prayer
A Availability
C Regular Contact
E Christian Example
CONFIDENTIALITY:

I. Extension of Pastoral Ministry

1. Hear personal information
2. Hear negative information

II. Confidentiality is Crucial

1. Seal of Confession
2. Foundation of all relationship

III. Basic Rule of Confidentiality

All transactions between you and the family is confidential. This includes all
observations or impressions and comments of an individual. Their comments
along with any records should not be shared with anyone outside of the pastoral
staff.

THE ONLY EXCEPTION OF THIS RULE IS WITH PERMISSION FROM THE INDIVIDUAL!

SHEPHERD / PRAYER TEAM

FOCUS NOTES:
i. Reasons for Shepherd Teams:

1. In Reach
2. Communication
3. Convenience / Non-Threatening
4. Informational
5. Priesthood of all believers and prayer

ii. Making Contact:

1. Study Names
2. Pray
3. Identify Yourself
4. Purpose of contact – explain
5. Listen