Seniors Homebound Ministry

Our Purpose

Many homebound members have been lifelong members and served our Lord faithfully for years. They long to be with their church family. The Homebound Ministry provides an opportunity to minister to these, love them, and give back to them as they have given to others throughout their lives. This ministry is a blessing to the homebound members, but God also continues to use these people to bless the volunteer caregivers.

Who Are Our Homebound Members?

Persons 18 years of age and older who cannot regularly attend Bible Study and worship are considered homebound. They may be persons severely handicapped physically, persons with declining health, or aged persons unable to get out. The Homebound Ministry recognizes the persons who care for their homebound family members are also in need of ministry.

The homebound are in need of socialization to help with their feeling of isolation. Some must leave their homes to have the medical care they need and experience grief at this loss. They deal with the frustration of declining physical ability and mobility. They often experience spiritual isolation and need individual attention.

How To Become A Homebound Member

Sunday School teachers, staff or deacons may recommend a person to the Homebound Ministry. The team leader will contact the recommended person and their family to determine the needs. homebound members are assigned to caregivers at the discretion of the team leader.

Caregiver Qualificaitons

• The caregivers must. . .
  
• Be willing to spend time needed to minister to their assigned person
  
• Demonstrate the ability to listen with empathy and understanding
  
• See value in the homebound and express it
  
• Be friendly, positive, and encouraging
  
• Be a living testimony
  
• Believe in prayer and be willing to be a prayer partner with their homebound member

Tasks

The caregiver, Homebound Ministry team leader, staff, sunday school departments and deacons work together in the best interest of the homebound person.

• Some of the ministry actions caregivers may be involved in include:
  
• Helping the homebound adjust to change
  
• Encouraging a strengthened faith in God
  
• Assisting in locating resources for physical, financial or emotional needs
  
• Promoting an understanding that the homebound person is needed and useful
  
• Giving love and helping develop a sense of belonging to First Baptist Smyrna
  
• Encouraging homebound members to help themselves and others, if possible
  
• Providing social contact and personal interaction with the homebound
  
• Witnessing to persons about Christ
  
• Participating with the deacons in providing the Lord’s Supper for the homebound
  

Responsibilities

The caregiver serves under the direction of the Homebound Ministry Team Leader. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Visit the homebound assignees 1-2 times each month
  
• Call/write cards weekly
  
• Deliver appropriate resources including:
  
• Sunday School book
  
• Mature Living
  
• Open Windows
  
• Worship service tapes
  
• Be open to spiritual discussion; sharing Sunday School lesson and focal passage when possible
  
• Determine if homebound member is a Christian
  
• Witness to any unsaved homebound member or family member
  
• Minister to homebound member and family as appropriate
  
• Encourage the homebound member to find ways to minister to others
  
• Recruit assistance in ministry as necessary (Deacons are an appropriate resource)
  
• Attend planning and training sessions as scheduled
  
• Assist the deacon with administering the Lord’s Supper
  

Guidelines for a Caregiver Visit

• Select best time for your visit
  
• Pray before your visit
  
• Make visit personal
  
• Visit with a purpose
  
• Engage in warm and friendly greetings
  
• Discuss good things happening at First Baptist Smyrna
  
• Be open to spiritual discussion
  
• Be aware that the homebound member may want you to turn in their church offering for him/her and be prepared to assist
  
• Use conversational “teaching” remembering to read the focal passage of the lesson...
  – Jesus used this method
  – Allows individual needs to be met
  - Creates interest
  - Allows you to apply the spiritual truth to your life or the member’s life as appropriate
• Be a good listener
  
• Achieve your purpose
  
• Leave helpful materials as appropriate
  
• Make a graceful exit
  

Do not be discouraged. Sometimes it is difficult to see those we love suffering. Our hearts reach out to them and we want to help when many times we can do nothing. Know that God is using you in a very special way. Not only are you ministering to the homebound person, but you are a source of encouragement to their family. You are demonstrating God’s love to all those who see.

 

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