This easy-to-read and extremely practical guidebook provides principles and practices for you to contextualize and implement in your church’s ministry no matter where you are on the journey.

Supplemental resources and strategic guide sheets will help you and your team identify the next steps you can take utilizing what you learned in each section of the module.

Each module is anchored by video-based teaching segments led by some of the country’s best ministry practitioners on various aspects of launching and leading effective foster care, adoption and family support initiatives.

Each module offers the opportunity to schedule a specialized coaching session as well as get connected with other leaders and practitioners from around the country.

MODULE 1

Leading Teams & Volunteers

The sustainability of your ministry is only as strong as the team that’s leading it. In this module you will explore various dynamics of building and leading a ministry team as well as the unique complexities and opportunities that come with managing volunteers.

MODULE 2

The Gospel is our “Why”

The words we say are important; so is how we say them, when we say them and to whom we say them. In this module you will explore how to communicate the gospel with clarity and conviction as you disciple those in your church to move towards hard places and broken people.

MODULE 3

Everyone Can Do Something

We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we are all capable of doing something. In this module you will explore how the theology of the Body of Christ is central to the “everyone can do something” message and strategy that helps people find their “something” and act on it.

MODULE 4

Communities of Support

No one can walk this journey alone. In this module you will explore various aspects of community – from creating safe spaces centered around shared experiences for foster and adoptive parents to building practical and tangible systems of support around them.

MODULE 5

Strategic Ministry Planning

The extent to which your vision will materialize is largely dependent upon how well you prepare and plan. In this module you will explore principles of strategic ministry planning and goal setting that can be contextualized into your unique ministry setting and context.

MODULE 6

The Holistic Continuum of Care

Churches can often default into a “silo” of ministries. In this module you will explore how many justice, mercy & hospitality-oriented ministries are interconnected — all part of the same continuum – and how to effectively address them at different intersecting points.

MODULE 7

“More Than Enough” Movement Building

When it comes to big problems, real and lasting solutions require all of us working together. In this module you will explore how collaboration with others can result in maximizing resources, optimizing your efforts and impacting the lives of children & families better together.

MODULE 8

Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry

There’s kids in your church that have experienced trauma. In this module you will explore the impacts of trauma, practical tools for staff and volunteers working with children in your ministry who have experienced trauma and a plan of ac on to create safe, welcoming and fun environments for all.

MODULE 9

Engaging Globally, Applying Locally

There’s a direct correlation between your church’s global missions and local ministry efforts. In this module you will explore best practices of global engagement – from short-term missions to forming partnerships – and explore what the local application is to your global engagements.

MODULE 10

Strategic
Soul Care

The work of justice and mercy will inevitably be short-lived if sustained by passion alone. Ultimately, vibrant ministry springs from healthy souls. In this module you will explore ways to cultivate a vibrant inner life rooted deep in Christ for yourself, your team and the families you serve.