Praise Report:
This is a report of the fun, networking, and instruction shared at the recent seminar Should Your Church Have a Career Ministry? held June 7, 2005, at Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan.
More than 30 people showed up for our first publicized seminar. Many thanks to Lawrence Technological University who hosted the event at no charge and the Detroit Free Press for the public announcement complete with excellent historical background and human interest photographs. Attendees heard 8 speakers discuss the recipe for establishing a support program for job seekers in their communities. Topics included everything from firing up the leadership to understanding the pain of the job seeker; from funding to leading; from how to begin to how to promote a program. Within two jam-packed hours information was spoken and printed materials disseminated to every attendee.
It was an enthusiastic group-pastors, church leaders, and lay folks-all agreeing they had felt the pain and/or seen the need in their own church community. Some had never thought about starting a group until reading the Detroit Free Press Career Ministries June 5, 2005 article by Work Life Reporter Margarita Bauza. After being greeted by Alicia Beck, we were treated to presentations by Charline List, Dr. Ken Woodside, Cathy Smith, Marty Miller, Janine Krasicky, Gail Neal, and Rick Duane & Mike Whelan. They sure made it look easy!
A plethora of resources and information were distributed including: the Career Transition Support Ministries Newsletter, a listing of churches with current support for job seekers; a list of blessings and benefits experienced by participating churches, a budget and strategies guide; community referrals; training resources; and links to various start-up assistance avenues. Even more resources are available at the website: www.ctsministries.org. Including the chance for every pastor and job-seeker to subscribe to the newsletter that provides fresh resources and encouragement for job seekers twice a month.
All came with a servant's attitude and willing hearts…God is doing the rest.
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. NIV Jer 29:10-12
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Should your Church have a Career Transition Ministry?
A Seminar and Roundtable for Pastors, Church Leaders, and Lay People to
hear how other area churches have responded to the employment issues
that are plaguing families and decreasing church attendance across the region.
Job loss is traumatic, and frequently triggers depression, and avoidance behaviors.
Members of your church may be succumbing to to the temptation to isolate themselves
at the time that they most need Christian fellowship.
God has stirred the hearts of many to minister to those in career transition,
and as a result, several local churches have established ministries,
and through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we've found each other and combined
our efforts.
We've been called to help you plant a ministry in your church!
You need not be a pastor. None of us are.
Your pastor will see the need immediately, and will appreciate the chance to
work with you
to establish a new ministry. So bring the pastor with you, if you can. If not,
come alone.
TUESDAY June 7th, 2005 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Lawrence Tech (10 Mile and Northwestern) University
in the Technology and Learning Center, room 410
Bring a servant's attitude and a willing heart, God will do the rest.
Get answers to:
- How can we help people between jobs or underemployed?
- How is a ministry different from a job search board?
- What gifts other than Compassion are needed?
- Time? Resources? Expertise? Structure?
- What mistakes can be avoided?
- Can this be an outreach?
- Who can help?
Sponsored by CTSMinistries and
Hosted through the generous community spirit of Lawrence Technological University
Please RSVP via E-mail to Admin@CTSMinistries.org
Include headcount,
Church name & contract info
Your name & contact info
Be sure to subscribe to the CTSMinistries Newsletter.