|  Caring with Compassion

Deacons are able to build relationships with people when they minister with the compassion of Christ. This compassion is made visible through visits to people in the church and in the community. The visit may be to a shut-in with crippling arthritis, a family without adequate housing or a young adult whose mental agonies seem endless.

A deacon needs to wrap the visit in prayer. Pray before you visit and ask God to guide you. At the heart of building relationships is a listening ear. Listening creates an atmosphere of trust and respect for the one you are visiting. As you offer words of support and encouragement from Scripture or through prayer, be sensitive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit!

Guidelines for Caring with Compassion are available in the Resources area.