The Caring Congregation

Children are humans trying to navigate their new world; when we honor this and advocate for their needs and care, children thrive and grow. Join Rev. Melissa as she talks with children’s advocate, Anna Skates. Anna has a deep love for helping caregivers create more meaningful, peaceful relationships with the children in their lives. https://www.annaskates.co/ https://www.otter.ly/ thecaringcongreg...

Children have big feelings, especially during difficult seasons in life, and often it’s hard to talk to children about their feelings. Join Rev. Joy as she talks with Rev. Dr. Leanne Hadley to discuss holy listening with children, and the tool named "Holy Listening Stones” to help children put their feelings, insights, and thoughts into words. They also help adults to remember to listen to what ch...

SEASON 3 - Episode 1 - Preview of care with children and caregivers Join Rev. Melissa and Rev. Joy as they discuss the upcoming season of care with children and their caregivers and guardians. They share a preview to upcoming interviews and topics that will be covered this season. thecaringcongregation.com

Recently our national team met together prior to Church of the Resurrection’s Leadership Institute, and during dinner we recorded a podcast. We reflected on the first two seasons, what being part of this team means to us, and why we are passionate about congregational care ministry. Join us for this raw, uncut bonus episode, where we laugh a lot! https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https:...

One in eight couples will struggle with infertility. One in four women will experience a miscarriage or stillborn. Join Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez and Mary Haines as they share their stories of pain and grief, and the season that led to hope. thecaringcongregation.com

How do we participate in the divine movement of wrestling with God as we deconstruct and reconstruct our theology and beliefs? We can find divinity and sacredness in the questions and seeking. Join Rev. Melissa and Rev. Joy as they discuss deconstruction in the context of our society, the Church, and Bible. https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-caring.../i...

Throughout our lives we experience several “little deaths,” especially during times of transition. How do we name our emotions in those times; how do we process and grieve these “little deaths?” Join Rev. Joy and Rev. Melissa as they share a few of the “little deaths” they’ve experienced, perhaps you’ve experienced, too. https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.apple.com/.../t...

It’s difficult to talk about death and dying, and many uncomfortable, sad emotions emerge, that’s normal. But how can we talk about death and dying parallel to our faith and hope in resurrection? Join us as we talk about walking alongside someone as they are dying, and ways to process your grief when someone you love dies. This is part one of a two part series. For more resources: https://thecarin...

Care for “our own” can come naturally, but what about caring beyond the walls of the church? Rev. Laura Berg shares with us her passion for police chaplaincy to get us thinking about care in a different way. https://thecaringcongregation.com

Caring For The Caregivers - Season 2, Episode 3 Caregiving can be a difficult responsibility and can often lead to burnout and exhaustion. How do we care for the caregivers, offering support and a listening ear? thecaringcongregation.com

When we get married, we expect it to be forever. However, when a married couple is estranged beyond reconciliation, even after thoughtful consideration and counsel, divorce is a regrettable alternative in the midst of brokenness. Join us as we talk about care for those going through divorce and ways you can support divorced persons. https://soundcloud.com/thecaringcongregation https://podcasts.app...

Your story connects to the past, gives meaning and purpose to the present, and offers hope for the future. Jesus was a storyteller and valued every person's story. Join us for part three as we explore why stories matter with our newest team member, Rev. Monica Childers. thecaringcongregation.com

Grief is something we’ll all experience at some point in our lives. The last year and a half living through COVID-19 has brought on unexpected grief as individuals and as the collective Body of Christ. Join us as we talk about how we don’t just get over grief, but we learn to walk through it as a church with God’s help. We’ll discuss practical resources for pastors and CCMs to help those on a grie...

The four key concepts for an effective congregational care ministry include: teamwork, trusting the Holy Spirit, evaluate, evaluate, evaluate, and in all things, pray first. Join us as we discuss these concepts and ideas for how you can implement in your care ministry. Additional resources: “The Caring Congregation: Implementation Guide” and “The Caring Congregation: Care Minister's Manual” by Kar...

Listening is an important skill, one that takes empathy and patience. Being a good listener ensures someone feels heard and valued, but it also involves body language and tone of voice in your response. Join us as we talk about the importance of listening. Additional resources: Book: “The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe” by Richard Rohr...

Prayer has been a central part of the spiritual journey, generation after generation. We see prayer modeled in both the Old and New Testaments, and by Jesus, even teaching us how to pray. Join us as we talk about the importance of prayer and how it should be a central theme in any congregational care ministry. Books: “A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal” by Sarah Bessey “Th...

COVID has required us to alter the way we offer congregational care ministry. Join us as we discuss ideas for care in this difficult time as well as ways to help your congregation process the grief and loss we have all experienced. Book: “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA. COVID Care Resources: https://thecaringcongregation.com/resourc...

Theology matters; how we care for others and the theology we utilize to care for others is important. Join us as we explore the theology of care and dive deep into the way Jesus cared for others. Show Notes: Book, "Why: Making Sense of God's Will" by Adam Hamilton

Your story connects to the past, gives meaning and purpose to the present, and offers hope for the future. Jesus was a storyteller and valued every person's story. Join us for part one of two as we explore why stories matter. Show Notes: Book,"What's Your Story?" by Sarah Heath TED Talk, "Danger of a Single Story"

Your story connects to the past, gives meaning and purpose to the present, and offers hope for the future. Jesus was a storyteller and valued every person's story. Join us for part two as we explore why stories matter. Show Notes: Book, "Gifts of Imperfection" by Dr. Brene brown

Jesus was a healer. His example calls us to provide care and support for one another through the peaks and valleys of our lives. The Caring Congregation (TCC) offers guidance on the best Christian practices to help people move through life’s challenges. Our method of care is based on a team approach that empowers both pastors and laity (serving as Congregational Care Ministers or CCMs) working tog...