Third, they are marked by regular, face-to-face, structured contact between
the volunteers and the participants. They do not rely on spontaneous interaction
but set defined meeting times and articulate specific goals and deadlines.
The friendship developed between the participant and the church volunteers
is purposeful, directed toward a specified end.
Fourth, effective programs demand individual responsibility. They challenge
participants to take small steps toward change and provide incentives for
taking those steps. New Focus, a Christian nonprofit that shows churches
how to transition from commodity-based ministry to relational, holistic ministry,
encourages congregations to establish a weekly "life skills" training class.
Individuals who have a history of repeatedly requesting financial help from
the church must attend the weekly class and meet regularly with a budget
counselor in order to receive further aid. They are also linked with a Compassion
Circle of six to eight church volunteers who provide practical help (such
as temporary babysitting, transportation, car repairs, or help with job
searching) as well as prayer and emotional support. Participants and church
volunteers draft a strategic plan for achieving independence from the public
(and private) welfare system. As participants complete aspects of that plan,
they receive groceries or household items in recognition of their progress.
Making the shift to relational ministry is difficult because it requires
that we give more of ourselves and our time, as well as our money. By
concentrating church resources on fewer families, though, we are able to
make a long-lasting impact. Through time-intensive, individually tailored
aid, ...
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