Reaching Hurting People

One reason mission-minded parishes are often reluctant even to talk about congregation care is because it can be seen as a trap, turning inward to focus on internal maintenance, meeting only the needs of members. This is indeed true when caregivers are limited to pastors and church staff—the sheer volume of needs within a congregation can quickly consume all their available time. But when a congregation has a well-organized team of 10, 20, 30, 40 or even 50 or more lay caregivers, Christian care-giving can become a powerful outreach to hurting people in the community.

People are never more likely to be open to the gospel or to connect with a Christian congregation or parish than when they are suffering. Caring laypeople bear a powerful witness to the love and compassion of Christ through their compassionate interaction with those who are hurting. St. Francis said, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” Stephen Ministers, through their quiet ministry, preach the gospel— sometimes even using words. 20051031

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In his book The Rise of Christianity, Rodney Stark asserts that compassionate Christian care was one of the major forces behind the explosive growth of Christianity, especially as two devastating epidemics swept through the Roman Empire in the second and third centuries.

While pagans—even pagan physicians—tended to flee the sick in order to avoid being afflicted, Christians provided care for the suffering people around them whether they were Christian or pagan. The survival rates among those who received even elementary nursing care were significantly higher than among those who received no care. And of course the pagans who received care from Christians were much more likely to take an interest in knowing Jesus.

What epidemics plague our world? Loneliness? Meaninglessness? Poverty, homelessness, and despair? The care ministries of our parish can bring Christ’s care where others are unable or unwilling to make a difference; it can be a significant part of our overall mission strategy. Parishes that have effective care ministries are well positioned to bring people who are hurting to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 20051106