Know Where to Send Them

The reality of ministry is that you are going to get asked for help from people that you just can’t help. Maybe your church does not have the resources to meet particular needs. Sometimes people need more help than you are qualified to give. Most times, pointing people in the right direction is the best thing to do.

The best tool you can have is two files or folders with a list of resources in your area. Make sure that the information you have includes name of the individual or organization, contact information, a description of the kind of help they offer and (if appropriate) directions.

The First Folder is for benevolence:
1) Your church’s own benevolence system
2) Homeless Shelters
3) Food Banks or Pantries
4) Organizations that help pay bills
5) Job placement organizations
6) Shelters for abused women
7) Low cost/ No cost medical help
8) Local Red Cross
9) Disaster relief organizations (fires, tornadoes, earthquakes) for families
10) Bus schedules or information (random, I know, but trust me you will need it)

The Second Folder is for Crisis and Mental health:
1) Your church’s own counselors or programs
2) Suicide hotline
3) Alcohol/ Drug rehab
4) Local AA/ NA meetings or other support
5) List of recommended counselors with different specialties (i.e. abuse, addiction, depression, family, eating disorders)
6) Parent support Groups
7) ADD/ ADHD resources
8) Pregnancy centers
9) Crisis Counseling numbers

Other things to keep in Mind:

Always have multiple copies of everything- one to keep and some to give away. People in crisis do not need to worry about writing things down. Once you give a copy of something away, make another copy before you put your folder away. This way you are always prepared.

It’s also a good idea to keep $5 gas cards or bus fare on hand. Sometimes it will help them, and sometimes it’s just enough to get them to go away. Yes, sometimes you  just want them to go away.