Enlisting and training volunteers is one of the most difficult tasks we face as an organization. Through the years we have tried to find ways to make it easier to equip people to help in our medical clinics. We have discovered some simple facts: it is not easy and it is not for everyone.
“If God calls you, we can equip you” is a phrase we often use to imply that Hope Women’s Centers is not just a good cause where you drop in once a week and make a difference. It is a ministry, and serving here is a very serious exercise in discipleship as we seek to meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of women and men who are facing unplanned pregnancy decisions. Over the years we have continued to fine-tune our volunteer training, because volunteers are a critical element in the on-going process of expanding services to our community.
Beginning with our July 22, 2017 Volunteer Orientation, we will introduce and implement a new training program called “Making Life Disciples”. It is an initiative of Care Net, our national affiliate, and it was developed as a resource for churches who want to partner with pregnancy resource centers to embrace a culture of life in their communities. It is a series of video training modules that thoroughly discusses God’s plan for abundant life, and we are convinced that it will help potential volunteers understand the history and background of the work we do, as well as our mission of providing compassionate care, hope, and help to those facing unplanned pregnancies.
The initial orientation is a 2-hour session and includes an introductory video and basic information about the many ways Hope incorporates volunteers into the daily fabric of our work. For those attendees who want to further explore learning to be a “Life Disciple”, arrangements will be made to schedule the entire video training series. Preview the content HERE.
We offer this training with confidence because we know that whether you choose to serve at one of our medical clinics, or whether you choose to be a voice for life in your church community, this video training series will help you consider the whole approach to abortion counseling and pro-life ministry in a whole new way.
Helping a woman or a man choose life for their unborn child is transactional. Discipling a woman or a man and giving them an opportunity to choose ABUNDANT life for themselves and for their unborn child is transformational! As we meet their presenting needs, we want to be about the business of leading our patients to transform themselves by the renewing of their minds!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
The video series presents examples of interactions with young men and women in the natural course of daily life…at the library, in the park, and at the coffee shop. Viewers will be equipped as a member of the Church to speak life from a biblical perspective wherever opportunities present themselves.
For those who decide to take the intentional step to volunteer on-site at one of Hope’s clinics, the discipling will be done within the confines of the counseling rooms, but the principles remain the same. I have been affiliated with Care Net since 1990, and this is the finest, most versatile training program I have ever seen.
About the Author: Nancy McDonald served as a board member of Hope Women’s Centers for 10 years until she joined the staff in 2000. Today she serves as the organization’s President/CEO and is more passionate than ever about helping women and men choose life!