The Church CARES Ministry
Connecting people who need HOPE with people who HELP
Welcome to The Church CARES Ministry
The Church CARES is a peer-helping ministry that trains church volunteers to listen, pray, and offer support to people facing personal struggles and emotional needs.
When people are in distress, they often turn to the church. The Church CARES helps us respond as Jesus did: compassionately, intentionally, and biblically.
Why This Ministry Matters
Millions of people across the country experience emotional or mental distress, and many never receive the help they need. Pastors care for as many people as they can, while professional counselors are often fully booked. As a result, too many people fall through the cracks.
The Body of Christ is uniquely positioned to respond - not simply with more programs, but with presence. Our church has people with a heart to help. With practical training, clear boundaries, and the support of a ministry team, volunteers can walk alongside hurting people and offer comfort, encouragement, prayer, and hope.
The Church CARES is not professional counseling or crisis intervention. Care Partners provide peer support and help connect people with pastoral, clinical, emergency, or community resources when appropriate.
Connect With a Care Partner
Sometimes what you need most is someone who will listen.
Perhaps you are:
- Facing a hardship that has knocked you off balance.
- Dealing with an overwhelming problem and cannot see a clear solution.
- Feeling fearful or anxious after receiving difficult news.
- Looking for spiritual guidance, encouragement, or prayer.
- Simply in need of a compassionate and trustworthy listening ear.
Our trained Care Partners offer a compassionate, Christ-centered presence. They will listen with empathy, pray with you, provide encouragement and comfort, and share hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
We will be happy to answer your questions and, if you choose, connect you with a Care Partner who can walk alongside you during this difficult season.
If you are in immediate danger, experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, or considering harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or contact an appropriate crisis service immediately. Care Partners are not emergency responders or licensed counselors.
Volunteer to Become a Care Partner
When people are hurting, your presence can make a meaningful difference. Many people around us need someone who will listen without judgment, offer encouragement, and remind them that they do not have to walk through a difficult season alone.
The Church CARES training equips you to provide compassionate, Christ-centered peer support as part of a caring ministry team. No counseling degree is required - just a willing heart and a commitment to learn and serve.
The six-hour interactive workshop includes:
- Engaging training videos.
- Practical instruction in listening, prayer, and peer support.
- Role-playing exercises.
- Group discussion.
- Guidance on healthy boundaries, confidentiality, referrals, and seeking additional help.
As a Care Partner, you may have opportunities to support, encourage, and pray with people facing emotional, relational, spiritual, or personal distress. This ministry can also create natural opportunities for discipleship and evangelism as we walk alongside others and share the hope we have in Jesus.
Together, we can help ensure that hurting people in our church and community do not have to walk alone.