The Community of Hope: A New Branch of Ministry
The Community of Hope training classes are based on basic theology, core listening techniques, avid communication skills, and the monastic beliefs of monks. Concepts of silence and reflection are taught in great abundance, combined with acute counseling skills that aide in the support and assistance of human beings.
Lay chaplains who participate in this course are certified at the end to perform the following duties:
1. Give communion to those who are too sick or injured to come to church on Sundays.
2. Visit sick or injured congregation members in the hospital and at home following their injury or illness.
3. Visit people who have recently undergone a tragic event in their lives, and assist them in the emotional healing that they
face.
4. Become accountability partners for people who are struggling with alcohol or drug abuse.
5. Counsel teens and adults in private issues.
Participants and certified lay chaplains must sign a confidentiality agreement before they begin to minister that states their promise to keep all conversations and information to themselves, regardless of the situation. It is much like the privacy agreement a therapist makes with his patient.
The course itself consists of nineteen modules, all of which concern a specific area of ministry. Various experts on the topics provided are invited to the lesson to give their own personal beliefs on the subjects at hand, and most have interactive lessons that correspond with each of the topics. Some of the areas covered are as follows:
1. Listening
2. Spiritual Gifts
3. Sensetive Information
4. Monastic Living
5. Meditation in the Christian Lifestyle
6. The Power of Prayer
7. Finding Meaning Within Chaos
8. Abusive Situations
9. Hospital Visits
Each module contains pages of information devoted to Biblical interpretations of issues presented and additional references. Some, such as the Spiritual Gifts section, come with a test that can help you determine your own place in the grand scheme of things, which in turn will allow you to better assist anyone who needs your help.
The Community of Hope was founded in 1997, starting in Austin, Texas and slowly moving up towards the east coast. The program now spans 114 centers, 44 of which are in Texas. More information can be found on their website – www.thecommunityofhope.org – where they go into more detail about pastoral care ministries and who they serve.
They also explain what Benedictine Spirituality entails, which is the monastic system upon which The Community of Hope is based. Benedictine Spirituality is a way of life that encourages balance and equality in daily life, and that encompasses a list of Core Values that include stability, personal transformation, hospitality, care of the ill, humility, and living in a spiritually centered world.
If your church or a group of people you know would be interested in participating in this program, here is the contact information:
Business Hours:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Address:
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities
3100 Main, Suite 800 (Mail Code 3-206)
Houston, TX 77002
Phone:
832-355-7701
Fax:
832-355-2935
E-mail:
charities@sleh.com
Community of Hope representatives are always willing to answer questions and to assist you in finding a local program.
