MULTIHOUSING CHAPLAINCY
LOW INCOME
The Need ... The majority of low-income people in Florida
reside in multi-housing communities. Many of these residents often experience problems which include all types of personal and substance abuse, child care, crime, financial management, health care and spiritual need. The residents need help and hope. A chaplain meets the need.
The Target ... The chaplain ministers to the residents,
Management and staff of the multi-housing community
The Process ... The steps for establishing a chaplaincy ministry
1. Pray for God’s leadership.
2. Make an appointment with the facility manager to determine the need.
3. Meet and discuss the needs.
4. Share ways a volunteer chaplain meets the needs.
5. Define the expectations of management and the chaplain.
6. Follow up the meeting with a letter outlining the expectations.
7. Recruit a chaplain and secure managements approval..
8. Plan programs with management to meet the needs..
9. Secure needed resources.
10. Set a starting time and begin the ministry.
11. Meet periodically with management to evaluate the program.
The Ministry… Low-income multi-housing presents a
challenge to the creativity and resourcefulness of the chaplain. Possible areas of ministry include the following:
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<> COORDINATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
The chaplain assists management with the scheduling and coordination of all religious groups wanting to minister in the multi-housing community.
FAMILY MINISTRIES
Family problems are extensive in low-income multi-housing communities. The chaplain plans ministries addressing the vital areas of single parenting, latch-key children, substance abuse, domestic violence and financial management.
PASTORAL MINISTRIES
The chaplain expresses God’s love for multi-housing residents by personifying Christ through personal ministries like relationship-building, counseling and referral, crisis intervention, Bible study, worship, weddings and funerals.
RECREATIONAL MINISTRIES
Many residents of these communities are children and youth. The multi-housing manager desires and encourages activities for their young people. The chaplain organizes and supervises summer recreation programs, day camps, Vacation Bible Schools, Big A Clubs or similar ministries.
SOCIAL MINISTRIES
The chaplain may develop programs and involve volunteers on practical ministries to help with crime prevention, food, clothing, health care, and transportation.
The Reason… The low-income multi-housing community
offers an open door for chaplaincy ministry. Most managers recognize the need for a chaplain in their facility and welcome the help. These communities provide opportunities for Christians to become personally involved in carrying out the Great Commission.