Widow Ministry

Most churches are concerned about its elder members, especially those in nursing homes or have special needs that often go overlooked and unmet. Many are widows or widowers who have no family members close by or who are unwilling to meet even basic needs. Churches often want to minister to these 'special people' but are not aware of the best ways to do such important ministry. This manual is designed to help churches or other groups know what to do and how. Specific organizational suggestions are given. The following questions are answered in a simple, easy to follow guide that small or large churches can use to start or improve an existing ministry to the elderly in their congregation and community: (1) who needs your help? (2) what help do they need? (3) how will you discover the needs?(4) how will any costs be handled? (5) who will oversee the program? (6) what records should be kept? (7) who can you enlist to meet the needs?
This Widow Ministry manual includes enlistment strategies, volunteer guidelines, ministry areas to address, surveys, evaluation forms, report forms, and other helpful materials to assist churches.