Our Approach

Faith Partners provides the tools, training, materials, and assistance to equip congregations with an effective, comprehensive and sustainable lay ministry, the Team Ministry. Participating congregations will be connected to a local, state and national network for help and on-going support. This approach has been used in numerous congregations in several states and is unique in that:

• It builds on congregational strengths by involving lay members with special expertise and a passion for this work;
• Clergy time, energy, and involvement are carefully utilized;
• Teams are trained in prevention, early intervention, referral assistance, and recovery support, choosing programs that meet the needs of the congregation;
• Teams network with other teams and utilize community resources, keeping their efforts focused on the congregation’s mission;
• This effort is relevant to the whole congregation, young and old, individuals and families; and,
• This ministry cultivates a compassionate response to all human problems, creating long-lasting change, making the congregation a safe and hospitable place.