A Network of Caring: Telecare

Serve one another in love." (Gal. 5:13)

"All of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." (1 Peter 3:8)

The New Testament abounds with commands for ALL believers to bear one another’s burdens, rejoice with one another, love one another, encourage one another, doesn’t it.

How can we do this...especially in a congregation the size of Concordia! One way, surely is through a ministry called TELECARE. Yes, you may have heard of this before...you might have been a volunteer caller or received a caring call a few years back. TELECARE served a good purpose then and we look for it to rise to even a greater purpose as we re-introduce it and improve upon it.

What is TELECARE again? It’s a ministry that uses the telephone to connect people to people - to extend Christ’s love, show concern, and offer support. It’s simply "caring conversation".

TELECARE contributes to church stability and growth. Visitors join a congregation because they feel "at home." Members stay, in part, because they establish friendships and feel cared for.

TELECARE is a way of communicating "belonging".

Please think upon these things:

• Telecare can serve as a communication link, member to member
• Telecare can serve as a communication link between members and pastoral staff, letting us know your needs and what’s going on in your lives
• Telecare can provide information to members about what’s going on at Concordia
• Telecare can provide listening, care, encouragement, and prayer support

How will it work?

• It will take 90 individuals to make quarterly (4x per yr) calls to 6-7 fellow members
• Callers will receive training to enhance telephone skills, and commit to the ministry for a period of two years
• The Board of Elders will oversee the callers in their respective districts, care for them, and communicate needs and concerns to the pastoral staff

What’s next?

• Pray that God will continue to lead us in this ministry
• Pray that 90 men and women step forward with enthusiasm and commitment
• Prayerfully consider becoming a part of this caring ministry as a caller