Partners In Caring
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Professional church workers serve as care givers to many, providing a source of strength to individuals, congregations, and communities. They foster hope and serve as a reassurance of God´s presence.

However, the role of the professional church worker can be fraught with difficulties. Because of conflicting demands, needs, and expectations of others, and because of family, financial, and personal issues, the servant of Christ is also at times in need of support.

Partners in Caring is designed to be an avenue of support. It does this by fostering peer relationships, providing workshops, offering consultation, and providing counseling.

Peer Relationships

Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. Moses had individuals who helped hold up his arms when he grew tired. The work of ministry was not intended to be done alone.

Partners in Caring fosters self-select groups where individuals can meet regularly to discuss pastoral care issues with their peers or other professionals, and where individuals can develop supportive relationships that can nourish professional and spiritual growth.

Workshops

Workshops designed to develop and support healthy relationships and to foster self-care are offered throughout the year. Partners in Caring provides trained leaders who are available to lead workshops with church, school, and congregational staffs, and at regional meetings of professional church workers. Retreats designed to provide an opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth are offered periodically.

Consultation

Partners in Caring offers consultation to clergy on counseling parishioners, working with difficult individuals, and handling congregational disputes. Assistance is also provided in finding appropriate referrals for their counseling cases.

Counseling

Almost everyone experiences personal difficulties that could affect job performance, emotional stability, and spiritual health. Seeking help is the first step to becoming stronger. Partners in Caring can assist professional church workers and their family to find access to the kind of services that will meet their specific needs.

Fireflies Newsletter

Fireflies is a monthly e-newsletter published by Roger for those who work in a church setting. It contains information and ideas relating primarily to self-care and sustaining oneself in ministry. It also provides updates concerning Partners in Caring activities. An archive of past editions can be found at Fireflies Archives.

To subscribe to this free resource, click here.

About Roger Kruger

Roger Kruger is the Director of Partners in Caring. Roger has a Doctorate of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling and psychotherapy, and is an American Association of Pastoral Counselors member. He previously served as a parish pastor in Arkansas and Colorado and as a therapist for Lutheran Family Services of Iowa. Most recently, he served as a vacancy pastor for Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs.

Though Roger makes periodic trips about the state, his office is located in the Lutheran Family Services central office in Omaha. You can reach him by e-mail or by calling (402) 978-5670.