Is God Calling You to be a Lay Chaplain?

“Would my gifts and talents be put to good use in pastoral care ministry?

If your answer to this question is “yes” or “maybe,” you should know about the Community of Hope. In addition to providing 42 hours of training to equip laypersons to serve in pastoral care ministry as Lay Chaplains, the Community of Hope offers spiritual growth opportunities in a community shaped by prayer and Benedictine spirituality.

Christ the King Lutheran Church is now a Training Center for the Community of Hope, sponsored by St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Episcopal Health Charities. Following completion of training, Lay Chaplains serve in ministry among parishioners here at Christ the King Church as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, shut-in/homebound visitors, hospital volunteers, and in various capacities on our Congregational Care Team. Some of our Lay Chaplains commit to ministry out in the community as outreach from Christ the King Church. All the commissioned Lay Chaplains continue to support each other in their pastoral care ministries by continuing as a community through monthly Circle of Care meetings for prayer, debriefing, continuing education, and building community.

Our Community of Hope continues to:

• Establish an ongoing school of spirituality where laity are trained for pastoral care ministry. Graduates become members of the Community of Hope. They are called Lay Chaplains and practice their ministry in various ways within our congregation as well as in the wider community under the guidance of the ministry staff.
• Motivate members of the Community of Hope to pursue and practice the spiritual disciplines found in The Rule of Benedict and to apply those spiritual practices to creating a praying, caring community. The Rule inspires the community members to work toward balance and harmony in prayer, worship, silence, holy reading, and serving others through pastoral care ministry.
• Equip members of the Community of Hope with pastoral skills to minister where their spiritual gifts are best suited for giving comfort and care to those in need.

Winter classes will begin on Monday, January 17 and will culminate with a Commissioning Service on Sunday, April 24. For more information or to register, please contact Beverly Davis or 713-523-2864 ext. 27.

Last updated: 2004-12-06