Volunteer Training Program
Volunteers
caring for the seriously ill,
the dying and their families is a specialized work.
This work calls for more than the mere willingness
to step into a patient’s room and chat. It requires
an understanding of the patient and his or her world.
In the hospital the world is often a single bed stationed
in a cramped room overseen by any army of strangers.
The patient is often far away from everyone and everything
safe and familiar. For some this slender world is
the only world they see for long stretches of time.
For others, it is the last they see. The world of
the family and friends is often as limited, unfamiliar
and frightening as it is for their loved one.
In addition to care for the seriously ill in the hospital,
there is more and more the need for in home care.
Current trends in medical care mean shorter hospital
stays. More and more patients are returning to their
homes after only a day or two in the hospital. Trained
and qualified volunteers are needed to minister with
chaplains in this new situation. Churches will also
find such trained volunteers a priceless addition
to their ministries.
Three
qualities are required for those who would bring
the comfort of Christ to the ill and their families:
the compassionate heart of a servant, a gift for this
kind of ministry, and training. The Volunteer Training
Program interviews and screens applicants to determine
whether the first two qualities are present. Its program
of education provides the third. Our goal is to put
those who have a heart and the gift of this ministry
with those who can effectively equip and train them.
Initial training takes place by means of an intensive
weekend workshop entitled "Creating A Healing Community:
Interpersonal Communication and Dealing With Those in
Crisis". The workshop is designed to prepare an
individual to minister more effectively to those facing
serious illness or death, but is not limited to those
two areas of crisis.
For
information on becoming a chaplaincy volunteer or
for attending or hosting the workshop call Paul
Riddle at (713) 524-1055, 1-888-767-6363 toll free,
e-mail.
Role Description for Pastoral Care Volunteers
Meet Our Volunteers
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