In the previous post, we looked at the problem of ministering with and not to the home-bound and how the church may be able to better respond, to better meet the connection and relationship needs. Today, we look at the home-bound person’s response and responsibility in ministry with the church.

2. The Home-bound (Disabled, Chronically Ill, Widow(er)s, and Caregivers)

• Consider these verses (KJV):
  • Philippians 4:19: “¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” First and foremost, take your requests to God. He is the one to lean on for both physical and emotional needs. If we rely on people to fulfill either need, we will be disappointed.
  • Galatians 6:5: “⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden.” Notice that in contrast to Galatians 6:2 above, we also bear our own burden. Do what you can yourself.
  • 1 Peter 4:10: “¹⁰ As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” This verse includes us. We have gifts that the church needs.
  • Romans 12:4-8: “⁴ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: ⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. ⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; ⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; ⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” We are part of this church body and have things to give. We need to use them. How? God will show you if you seek Him!
  • Ephesians 4:11-12, “¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” I can’t reiterate this enough. We have gifts that the church needs.
• We must do all we can and seek God in how to serve. (Note: Please keep in mind that especially as home-bound, there will be seasons of need when you are unable to do any extra. We understand that, have been there, and know of many of you who are currently there. During these times, you are the ones needing assistance the most. This post is in relation to times when you are able to serve. )
  • Could we as home-bound help provide relationship and connection for other home-bound? Relationship and connection are very important.
  • Stay connected to your church. Ask for the prayer list and pray, connect with those going through hard times to see how you can encourage, mentor those for whom you are qualified, and support your church staff. Ask the church if there are things you can do even at home. They may have mailings you can help with, preparation for children’s classes, or other small projects. Adopt a missionary. They are likely lonely as well. There is much you can do.
  • Express your needs clearly. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, we were often amazed when people in the church would get frustrated when a need wasn’t fulfilled. However, no one had expressed the need. We were happy to help, but needed to know the need.
  • Give grace. Understand that your church people have lives that keep them busy and also have limitations.

The answers are not simple or easy. Yet, as I contemplated the dear home-bound lady’s call and desperation, I was struck with how important relationship and connection are on both sides. We need each other. The home-bound need relationship and connection desperately as people and not as projects. The church needs the home-bounds’ special God-given gifts.

Let’s minister together: the church with the home-bound; the home-bound with the church.