Be encouraged to learn from Sara Schenkel as she shares her dedication to the growth of women, her church and community. She shares her personal experiences and journey in ministry, highlighting the importance of biblical counseling, women's ministry, and key perspectives in church leadership. What stood out to me in this was her emphasis on the significance of building a culture of vulnerability, deep conversations, and self-reflection within the church, while starting from a place of not knowing where to begin and seeing the challenges. Sara's background in teaching and pursuit of a biblical counseling certification equipped her to effectively support and care for members in her church, which gave her the tools to engage in this area. One of the key initiatives Sara is involved in is the development of Flourish and the Pastoral Support Team in her church. These teams focus on providing support, mentoring, and pastoral care to women and members of the congregation. Her commitment to creating safe spaces for individuals to share their struggles and seek help is also a strength in this area, as rather than coming from following a script, she started with a vision.
Some of the materials they used involved the implementation of the "Real Change" course based on the principles of "How People Change" by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp. This self-counseling course aims to help individuals know God, understand themselves, and walk alongside others in a supportive and compassionate manner. This was a great way for them to be equipped and learn how to support each other.
Throughout the episode, Sara emphasizes the importance of prayer, discernment, and collaboration with church leadership in establishing effective care ministries. She highlights the need for grassroots efforts, building a culture of support, and implementing systems and structures within the church to ensure sustainable and impactful care for members.
While her journey in ministry is marked by challenges, frustrations, and moments of growth, her unwavering faith, commitment to love and serve others, and reliance on God sustain the ministry. Sara also talked about her vision for seeing care ministries established in all local churches and raising up biblical counselors reflects her heart for empowering and supporting individuals in their spiritual and emotional journeys.
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of caring for others within the church community. Her dedication to creating safe, supportive spaces and equipping individuals with the tools for personal growth and care is a beacon of hope and inspiration for churches seeking to strengthen their congregations through effective ministry and support.
Notable Quotes:
"I always walked into life knowing that everyone was messed up. Every family was dysfunctional."
"Your voice and your choice. So it's the understanding that God is working in that person."
"We're human, we're sinful. That's part of being on this earth."
"It's not what we're doing, it's what God's like popping up all over the place."
"God will bring who he needs to bring."
Sara's story exemplifies the transformative impact of intentional care ministries within the church, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, prayer, and collaboration in fostering a culture of support and growth. Her journey serves as a guide for churches seeking to strengthen their congregations through compassionate and effective care initiatives.
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