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After Tom Burns, a Dallas-based marketing executive, went through the worry and stress of unemployment two years ago, he didn't forget what he experienced once he found a new job. Instead, as he reflected on the questions he wrestled with—How will I feed my family? How will I make my house payment?—he became determined to help others suddenly faced with the fallout of a job loss.

His determination turned into a ministry, Career Solutions, which he launched at his church, the First Baptist Church of Dallas.

Career Solutions serves as one primary example of dozens of ministry efforts and programs launching across the country. As the U.S. jobless rate surpasses 9 percent—and some project 10 percent by the end of the year—many church leaders see an increasing opportunity to minister to members and reach out to the community.

"As Christians, I believe it's our duty to do whatever we can for others, and offering these kinds of services to the growing numbers of people who find themselves needing them is important," says Beth Wheatley-Dyson, pastor of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Hanover, Massachusetts.

Unemployment in Massachusetts is at its highest point in at least 16 years. St. Andrew's started workshops teaching participants how to deal with the stress and stigma of unemployment and how to write resumés. The church also sponsors guest speakers, such as officials from the local U.S. Small Business Administration office, to discuss how individuals can start their own businesses.

In Modesto, California, where shrinking education budgets have delivered pink slips to teachers as well as school staffs, the First Baptist Church of Modesto has sought methods to respond in more meaningful ways.

"There are many in this area who have found themselves out of work or suffering from deep cutbacks in their work," says Wade Estes, senior pastor of said the church. "People have lost jobs in the local school districts and construction has really slowed down. As a result, we have seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of people making prayer requests for work, more work hours, for concerns over losing their homes and other issues. Fortunately, we have also seen God work to provide jobs to those who need them."

Boston-based career coach Kathy Robinson says churches are an excellent resource for a job search.

"Churches are made up of people, and the more you get to know, the more who know you are looking for a job, the better the chances are that you will find an employer," she says. "This is a new idea for churches, but when they draw on their resources to get knowledgeable people to give guidance, it can be a wonderful resource."

Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, says churches often miss a ministry opportunity.

"I'm not a career counselor, but I do know that as a pastor, churches are often, by their nature, very little help to the unemployed," he says. "Unfortunately, a church is often a place where someone with a need can get mixed into the crowd and go unnoticed. On the other hand, the church is also a body of people, people who can help each other when they know what their needs and resources are."

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