Calling all prayer chaplains

[David Sapp]

I'm the new prayer chaplain coordinator at Unity Center of Columbia. I would love to hear any and all suggestions, comments and feedback regarding your experiences as a prayer chaplain. Specifically, how can the coordinator best support the program and the chaplains? I look forward to hearing from you, David

[Natalie Kimball]

Hi David -- Our Prayer Chaplain coordinator at Unity Church in the Mother Lode is the best. She supports us in the following ways which I have found very useful:
1. She is prompt with our monthly wellness call sheets. They are always in our Chaplain Folders the locked drawer in the church office by the end of the first week of the month
2. She holds monthly meetings where we discuss any problems or challenges that have arisen for us during the month. She also schedules something to help our personal spiritual growth at these meetings (a video, a reading, etc...)
3. She keeps our folders up to date, including cards for us to send to members we haven't been able to reach (e.g. no voice mail messaging) and stamps. In addition to forms for us to keep track of the results of our wellness call, these folders also include a way for us to communicate to the minister any issues our members may be having (e.g. hospitalization, family issues, prosperity challenges, etc...) that we think the minister should know about. She often includes a little prayer in our folders to lighten our day.
4. She is available to talk us through any challenges that arise. Sometimes our wellness calls can be overwhelming and she is always there to guide us and help us deal with any problems. She holds annual training focused on new prayer chaplains, but she makes it interesting and uplifting so that the existing prayer chaplains also gain much from it. The annual training session is mandatory for us.

If you want to get any more information, I know she would welcome your inquiries. Contact me at my personal e-mail [e-mail] and I will give you her contact information.

[Marti Goforth]

David, We have found the Wellness Calling Program is so very important, and crucial at times. Monthly call's to our members and congregants has been such a blessing to so many. Also much Joy and Dedication on our part. We have increased weddings, funerals, and Prayer requests. Our Reverend Joyfull Fletcher has brought it to our attention, as well to the Board, the tremendous responses we are receiving. Knowing that only Prayer Chaplains may make the wellness call's, that should be your first priority, this usually takes three months to get in with the flow, and Practice. This will be your start, then outreach. Making sure that you share everything with your Reverend/Minister will help ease your load. Sincerely Marti Goforth Prayer Chaplain, Unity Church of Flint, MI

[David Sapp]

THANKS!