MEMBER CARE TRAINING AND EQUIPPING
There is a sense in which every person who serves and supports a missionary is involved in member care. Whether one is helping to shape a healthcare program, provide for an adequate retirement, processing donations, arranging transportation, or responding to a crisis. We are all involved in member care.
When there is a specific service or function we are called to provide, our role is perhaps more clear. But in addition to the above member care services, there is a need for pastoral, spiritual, and emotional care. To do this well it requires commitment and preparation. The resources on this page are dedicated to equipping people to care for missionaries well.
When there is a specific service or function we are called to provide, our role is perhaps more clear. But in addition to the above member care services, there is a need for pastoral, spiritual, and emotional care. To do this well it requires commitment and preparation. The resources on this page are dedicated to equipping people to care for missionaries well.
TRAINING IN MEMBER CARE
Barnabas International Pastor the Missionaries Training: Pastoral at heart, and peer-driven, the PTM Conference is unique among member care conferences. For anyone involved in caring for global workers—whether with a local church, a sending agency, or a member care organization—PTM provides ample opportunities to network, learn, and be encouraged. Committed to caring for caregivers, the PTM Conference exists to develop the shepherding skills and heart of the member care community.
Barnabas International's Member Care 101 Online: This training has been reviewed by MTW Member Care. It consists of 8 easy to listen to seminars each between 45 minutes and an hour. Positives: (1) Good for new person to see what member care is and what it is not. (2) Focus on self-knowledge and self-care as MC person – how to serve in this role and still stay helathy. (3) Mechanisms of care very helpful. (4) Confidentiality. Bottom line, it is very helpful for a new person to be introduced to member care. Further information can be obtained by contacting the MTW Member Care Support team.
The Crucible of the First Term / Understanding and Helping So It Is Not The Last (Recorded Webinar): The First Term missionary has multiple adjustments to make, losses to mourn, an identity to shed and a new identity to learn—all happening amidst high stress. In that process, emotional baggage can surface adding to the confusion. Understanding what happens psychologically and spiritually in the stress and identity crisis of the First Term experience can help those of us who prepare missionaries for the field, those who receive them, or those called in to help. Learn effective preventative and ameliorative interventions to help First Termers so they are effective and their First Term is not their last one." Connie Befus, Ph.D. Requires Missio Nexus account.
Mental Health and Missions, a training by Mission Training International: Learn about and discuss unique issues facing mental health professionals serving in the world of missions
Mission Training International CODAR: Learn to Facilitate Debriefing and Renewal. CODAR (Consultation on Debriefing and Renewal) is a week-long workshop designed to train facilitators in how to guide personal debriefing and renewal as a routine part of any cross-cultural worker’s ongoing development.
Narramore Christian Foundation: Provides Christ-centered training and counseling for pastors, organization leaders, missionaries and their children, member care providers, and other Kingdom workers. NCF is a global ministry devoted to the prevention and solving of personal and interpersonal issues that are experienced within this often underserved population. "Our seminars, literature, and ministry outreaches are provided using sound Biblical principals integrated with evidence-based psychology."
HELPFUL TOOLS
Debriefing Discussion Form: Created by Asia Pacific member care to assist someone doing a debrief
Member Care Review Form: Created by Asia Pacific member care to assist someone doing a review, with special emphasis on how well the person is doing with self-care.
NEWSLETTERS
To our colleagues in member care... : A newsletter that seeks to be a resource tool designed to provide insight for personnel workers in ministry-related areas. To subscribe please email kenroyer@linkcare.org.