“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you.
Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it,
but because you are eager to serve God.
Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care,
but lead them by your own good example.
And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”
1 Peter 5:2-4 (NLT)
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Training in your role as Christian leaders in building Christ's Kingdom one life at a time.
For more information click on the link above or contact Bernita Tuinenga at btuinenga@visgr.org.
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Training on how to love, serve and empower people around us for the sake of growing Christ's Kingdom.
Benevolence Training
Benevolence Workshop
Spring 2025: Thursday, March 27 from 9am-3pm
Location: St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 3215 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids
RSVP: CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today or call VIS at 616-459-7500!
It is Biblical to take care of the physical needs of people around us. In responding to needs, do we take the opportunity to share the gospel? How can we rethink our "posture" as we come alongside others? Do we view people as problems to solve or opportunities to love, embrace, empower, and share the love of Jesus?
Benevolence Training focuses on:
- The Biblical Foundation of Benevolence
- Care Receivers: Understanding the Person and Circumstances
- Responding with Compassion, Knowledge and Processes that Witness Christ's Love
If you are in a role at your church to make decisions about the stewardship of benevolence funds, charitable giving, helping those in need or are the first to answer the phone when a congregation member or community member calls the church in crisis, this training is for you! If you have a heart for generosity, service, benevolence, outreach, and/or coming alongside others as they navigate life's challenges, this training is for you! If you are a deacon, trustee, elder, lay person, first responder, church administrator, staff member, outreach committee member, interested church member, etc, this training is for YOU!
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Training in ways to provide one-on-one service focusing on supporting and empowering people to get control of their money. 4 sessions
Financial Mentor Training
Financial Mentor Training (8 hours)
This training is for members of a church who might be interested in being trained to come alongside of someone needing guidance on money management.
Week 1: Understanding the Mindset
Week 2: Speaking the Truth in Love
Week 3: Listening and Language
Week 4: Tools and Resources -
Coaching is a process of coming alongside ministry leaders for the purpose of listening to and learning about what leaders are facing in today's world as they seek to love and serve God while taking care of the flock that is entrusted to them.
Coaching
Coaching sessions encourage you to rethink your leadership approach from doing for to walking alongside of others. Coaching sessions provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss and discover new approaches, ways to mobilize others to be involved and become aware of outside resources. Coaching creates a team approach for the best possible outcome.
Upon request, VIS meets with groups to:
- Become empowered to live out the things the Holy Spirit is calling you to do both individually and collectively.
- Listen, discern and together, with other church leaders, drawing on the Holy-Spirit for inspiration, direction and responses to difficult benevolent situations.
- Receive tools to slow down and reflect on what the Holy Spirit is saying and doing in your midst that you can celebrate and pray about.
- Learning the purpose of the call to ministry. Your role in loving, serving, and growing Christ’s kingdom by sharing with others the free gift of salvation.
Comments from coaching sessions:
“I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for spending time with our group this evening. Your listening ear, input and encouragement were truly a blessing (each person expressed that after you left) and we really appreciated the time you spent to help us think through these tough cases.”
“Thank you for coming to our meeting last night. Based on the feedback I received from my fellow deacons, they very much appreciate your input and wisdom.”
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In partnership with Degage Ministries, VIS offers a Housing Simulation to small groups and community leaders. A housing simulation goal is to familiarize individuals about issues people with a low-income experience when seeking housing.
