Comforting Comfortably
Churches are filled with hurting people and they are also filled with people who are willing to help but do not know how. Far too many Church members believe that only ministers can do the comforting; that the rest of us are not qualified. While being a pastor is a spiritual gift (I Corinthians 12) other gifts such as teachers, those with the gift of healing, encouragers, those with the gift of wisdom may not be ordained, but have a vital God-given role in His Body. These willing, but untrained, helpers, far outnumber those in full time ministry and sincerely want to lend a hand, but are afraid to do so. They fear not knowing what to say; saying the wrong thing or that their actions will not be adequate enough to make a difference. By training in the area of comforting and encouraging we will give them skills that will prove useful to the church and the hurting. When people shed their fear, realize what they can contribute and understand that God is with them as He promised (Hebrews 13:5b, Matthew 28:20) when they come alongside another individual, so much can be accomplished. The average “person in the pew” will become a more priceless asset to the church. They will comfort, encourage and share with others the very things that have strengthened their personal relationships with Jesus (II Corinthians 1:3-7).
Reaching out to others with love is one of the basic responsibilities of the believer. It is a wonderful gift you can give away (I Corinthians 13). This is a course of reaching out in love and offering understanding, encouragement, comfort, and hope as well as Truth (Jesus – John 14:6). As a layperson you will be trained to offer comforting and encouragement without trepidation. You will gain knowledge in the areas of reflective listening, asking open-ended questions and knowing what phrases to avoid and why. You will learn when it is appropriate to share your personal experiences. After taking this course you will demonstrate your desire of help others by actively seeking those in need, being available for conversation and responding to individuals in a personal way.
Comforting Comfortably Training is divided into three sections
1)As simple as it sounds, one of the most important qualifications for offering comfort is a willingness to be involved in the life of someone who is hurting. At first, many of us are anxious to be involved, but suffering rarely ends when we tire of its company. The success we have in comforting or encouraging someone else is directly related to the openness and honesty we experience in our own relationship with God. If we don’t allow God to comfort us, it is doubtful that we will know how to offer His comfort to others. You will learn what to say and what not to say, with an emphasis on recognizing that words can heal or devastate and how to listen to learn.
2) The second section's focus includes biblical views on people, problems, solutions and problem solving as well as how to establish a rapport with someone.
3) The third section ties all of this information together by understanding how to be a warm light in a cold world, an extension of examining the correct and incorrect things to do and say, and investigating when it is appropriate to share your story.
- This program is offered as in house training for churches, live seminars as well as a pre-recorded DVD series reaching countless people across the nation and globally.
- Appropriate activities, including cooperative learning and dramas are incorporated to facilitate the learning process.
- A fill in the blank workbook is also provided to enhance the development of knowledge retention and serve as reference materials for student follow up.