Lazarus Ministry
Lazarus Counselors
and Hosts share Christ's love and mercy with people in crisis situations
by doing their best to address the immediate needs of the individuals
seeking assistance. Neighbors come to our doors each week seeking
assistance coping with financial, health, and family crisis. Lazarus
volunteers live out their call as disciples by opening doors to all who
wish to enter.
Ministry Needs
This is very much a
people oriented volunteer opportunity. The Lazarus Counselor talks with
a client one on one about a variety of needs and life situations such as
assistance with rent, transportation, food, clothing, counseling,
budgeting, medical needs, and sometimes just providing a listening ear
and open heart. The Counselor discusses needs with the guests, assessing
their needs and the manner with which we can help, which ranges from
financial help to referrals to other resources.
The Lazarus Host
welcomes each guest, asking his/her need. The Counselor's or
Host's greatest skill and asset is being a good listener. Empathy and
ability to assess the actual, and often underlying, needs of a guest are
critical. A balance of good common sense and spirituality is necessary.
It is important for a Counselor to have a cooperative nature and some
clerical skills.
Training Provided
Training is
provided and you are able to "shadow" a Counselor to get a picture of
the "what's and how's" of being a Lazarus Counselor or Host until you
are ready to go solo. Counselors and Hosts never work alone.
Meetings and Time Required
Lazarus hours are
Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00
to 11:00
AM. The
length and time of the commitment is determined by the volunteer.
Benefits
A Lazarus Counselor
once said, " I have found that by giving a few hours each week to
Lazarus guests, it has made me more aware of life. By simply talking,
taking someone's hand praying together can make us all feel the presence
of God working in our lives." Another Counselor remarked that being a
Counselor gave her a welcomed and needed balance in her life.
Who
Can I Call to Find Out More or to Get Involved?
Mary Dixon
Hutcheson, Assistant for Pastoral Care, Outreach and Mission, at
703-549-1450,
ext. 127.
Click here to send Mary Dixon an email.