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CURRENTLY IN THE CHURCH
Because we care: Reaching out by phone

Sharon Hayes

How can a large church keep connected to the people it ministers to? One way Willingdon Church in Burnaby, B.C. does this is through an extensive phone ministry:

All visitors and first-time donors are called within a week of their visit, and up to three additional times in the following months. A volunteer caller faithfully welcomes the visitors, provides information and ministers to the unique needs of each one. The visitors are encouraged to seek out the programs and small groups in the church, and many have come to know Christ as Saviour and Lord. The pastors call all attendees and members on their birthdays. Once each year, two volunteers call families and individuals that have not yet connected to the church’s small group ministry and offer them care and prayer. Another volunteer offers personal support and prayer through a follow-up phone call to people who have made prayer requests to the church’s prayer team.

Every week, dozens of calls are made as this vital visitation network connects the church family to ministry. What makes it work? Technology, volunteers and commitment to the mission of Willingdon Church. Several years ago, a computerized database was established, and systems were developed to help keep track of people. Currently, 3,465 families and over 6,300 individuals are listed in the database. Volunteers work mainly in two areas – making the phone calls (either at the church or in their own home) and keeping the records up to date by data entry. Each volunteer works 3-to-5 hours each week.

In all of this work, we have felt the guidance of the Holy Spirit, when just the right call was made at just the right time. We have seen God’s power as His message of grace and salvation reaches into people’s lives over the telephone wires.

Sharon Hayes is phone ministry director for Willingdon Church.

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Last modified June 16, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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