Caring for the caregivers

So often churches duplicate the ministries they offer their communities. Almost every church has a children's ministry, and many of them offer preschool programs. Many have food and clothing banks. More and more churches each year provide back packs for children returning to school and fill these back packs with some of the supplies the students will need. The list of ministries churches provide goes on and on, and each of these are wonderful ways to impact communities. However, there is one ministry need that often goes unfulfilled in many communities and that is providing assistance to caregivers.

In the small community in which I live I know several people who are caring for spouses who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer, or another debilitating illness or accident. My father provided such care for my mother after she suffered a major stroke. Others provide around-the-clock care for children who have been injured in accidents or suffered other types of problems making it impossible for them to care for themselves. With the numbers of people suffering from Alzheimer rising we are going to see more of these caregivers, and yet, in many communities there is no one in private industry or the church providing any type of respite care or assistance to them. What a wonderful opportunity for a church to make a difference in people's lives.

These caregivers often find it difficult to leave the person they are caring for in order to go to the store or work. In some situations the person simply cannot be left alone so the caregiver has to find someone who can stay with the individual while they leave the house. Churches could provide such people. This could allow the caregiver to not only go to the store or work but also give them an opportunity to go to the movies or do something else relaxing to help them relieve some of the stress associated with providing constant care for someone.

This could be a wonderful ministry for someone with the gifts of healing, mercy, and helps. It would also show the community that your church cares for those who are struggling in life. In my community many noticed this winter that no plans had made been made to help the homeless survive the cold weather. On social media there was a lot of chatter that none of the churches cared about these people. Personally, I know that isn't true, but that was the perception some had, and they were very vocal about it. Having a ministry to come alongside caregivers sends a message to the community that your church does care about people's real-life struggles.

No church can do everything, but every church can do something. Perhaps this is a ministry that your church could provide. I encourage you to pray about it and talk about it with others in your congregation.