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Lay Ministry Training"Let this disease be an opportunity for us to draw together, and to help each other in our walk on this earth." - Michael Eugene, husband of a breast cancer patient In 2007, a multi-institution study looking at advanced stage cancer patients revealed that nearly half the patients interviewed said their spiritual needs weren't being met by their church. More than 70 percent said their spiritual needs were similarly unaddressed in the medical community. To that end, Our Journey of HopeŽ, an extension of the spiritual care provided at each one of the Cancer Treatment Centers of AmericaŽ hospitals, offers equipping for churches with a new, comprehensive program of lay ministry training, speakers' bureau and ongoing support for pastors, church leaders and congregants. First, the program provides the critical training congregants need for ministry to cancer patients and their families. Then, it helps lay ministers connect with cancer patients throughout the community - both churched and unchurched - who will benefit tremendously from the hope and help lay ministers and their church family can offer. The Our Journey of HopeŽ lay ministry training program is designed with the help of patients, leading cancer experts and spiritual advisors. It's easy to implement. It's powerful. And it's free.
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you...and his incomparably great power for us who believe." - Ephesians 1:18-19 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the father and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-13 |
