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The small size of
some churches can make it more difficult to have a team of at least two
program leaders or a group of at least five BeFrienders (lay ministers).
For these smaller churches, one option is to share a BeFriender Ministry
program with a “cluster” of other small, nearby churches.
A “cluster” of
churches for BeFriender Ministry has the following attributes:
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As
few as 2 churches can make up a cluster. To keep a cluster
manageable, it typically does not have more than 4 churches.
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The program
leaders from all churches in the cluster meet together for program
planning, evaluation, and other leadership team responsibilities.
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There is one
program supervisor with ultimate accountability for the program in
the cluster.
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The lay
ministry candidates from all churches in the cluster are trained
together.
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The lay
ministers (BeFrienders) and program leaders from all churches in the
cluster regularly meet together for “Making Meaning” and continuing
education.
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A BeFriender
may be asked to befriend someone from another church in the cluster.
Advantages
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The churches
in a cluster can share resources
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A team of
leaders helps ensure a stronger program that can be sustained
through turnover within the leadership team
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A cluster can
take advantage of the pricing for multiple registrants for the
“Foundations for BeFriender Ministry” workshop
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The ability to
utilize a BeFriender from another church in the cluster can increase
church members' willingness to have a BeFriender
Many smaller
churches already are sharing clergy, staff, and other resources. BeFriender Ministry provides the cluster option to continue to
strengthen pastoral care resources within a community.
How to establish a cluster
In order to
establish a cluster for BeFriender Ministry, the program supervisor for
the group of churches will need to print and complete the form below and
return it to the BeFriender Ministry National Office or complete the
online form.
Cluster pricing
Click for current
cluster pricing.
Workshop
description |
Calendar
of workshops
Online
registration form
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Additional
details
© 2007 BeFriender Ministry - A Listening Presence
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