PLATFORMS FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND CLOTHING

This ministry collects food and clothing not only for the needy in our own congregations, but also for distribution at Evangelistic Street Meetings. The Brotherhood is required to work along with the sisterhood to collect clothing and other items. Articles received are to be sorted and made presentable for distribution as well as a record maintained of the stock and distribution of the items. The records are kept mainly to facilitate future contact by the ministry with the individuals receiving these items.

VISITATIONS

The Brotherhood is expected to interact with the body inside and outside of the sanctuary. These responsibilities include home and hospital visitation; a very important function meant to support individuals who may be ill or shut-in. It is recommended that a team of three to four persons be assigned along with a similar team from the sisterhood to cover this area of ministry. As they work together, they will become co-spirited learning to function as a team. The teams should be mindful of situations where it may be prudent for only the brotherhood or sisterhood to go on a particular visit. The purpose for visiting the sick or shut-in is to uplift, comfort and encourage. The visit should never scare, bore or make the individuals feel ashamed of their situations. We need not brag about who we are, what we think we know or boast about this ministry if the individuals are not associated with it. We should always be mindful that our responsibility is to represent and present Christ!

There are many things that must be considered when we go to visit someone who is sick, whether saved or unsaved. We want to always ensure that this individual feels better (by our presence) and not worse when we leave them. The first impression we make on an individual is the most lasting; we should seek to ensure that the impression we make is a good one.

Praying for the Sick/Shut-in

You never know what you may be faced with; therefore you must be prayerful and watchful. Always be lead by the Holy Spirit. If He leads you to pray inwardly during your visit, do so. Should you desire to pray out loud be sure to ask permission first. When you pray, do not try to impress anyone. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer. You do not have to pray so loud that you become a distraction to others. Remember, only prayers prayed from a pure heart will move God. Always consult the Holy Ghost on what to say and allow Him to discern the person and their spiritual location.

You may be led to read a scripture that will minister to them or sing a song. (Do not preach or sing loudly.) If the individual refuses prayer, do not argue and if the Holy Spirit directs you not to inquire further, then do not. However, if the Holy Spirit leads you to ask them why they refused prayer, then do so in a spirit of meekness. This may be an open door for the Lord to further minister to them.

Consideration

The team must be mindful to observe all the rules and/or guidelines of any hospital, nursing home or a person’s private home. We should refrain from loud talking, loud laughter or crude jokes. Our visit should not add in any way to their distress. Do not talk or gossip about others who may have died from the same illness or disease. If there is an unpleasant odor in the room due to the individual’s illness, be mindful of your facial expression. Ignore the odor and do not make any offensive comments.

If a person has cancer, AIDS or some other terminal disease, they may look different from the way you last saw them. We must be mindful not to look surprised or disgusted by their appearance. Exercise self-control and keep your composure. The person may already feel embarrassed about their condition so never make the comment, “You look bad!” or “What happened to you?” These comments are not Christ-like and will most certainly make them feel worse. Home Visitations As with visits to the hospital the same wisdom applies when visiting someone at their home in addition to the following: Do not go into any area of the house without permission. If you need to use the restroom, ask permission to do so and then proceed. Eat before you go and be certain to bring your own beverage. The person may be confined to their bed or a wheelchair and may not have the strength or ability to get you something to drink. Remember, we are not there to be a burden to them, but rather a comfort.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

How To Entreat Family Members

There may be an unsaved spouse, mate, or family member present during your visits. We are ministers at all times and these individuals are souls that can be won to God. Show yourself friendly and be encouraging to them. Do not get into debates or arguments about religion, church, or other related matters. Leave them with a fond memory of you and the Christ you serve.

Limit Your Visit

When you enter a room, greet them and any other person(s) who may be there in the room. We should always encourage and edify. Let them know how good it is to see them. If the individual does not respond or want to be bothered, do not become offended, remain pleasant, and change the subject to one that is more acceptable. Remember your purpose for being there and make the visit short but not abrupt. Be mindful and courteous to others in the room. This could be another opportunity to show the love of Christ. It is sometimes assumed that because we are Christians, our sole purpose is to change their belief system. They may put up a “front” to protect themselves and entreat you negatively. You should remember however that you are there to be a blessing. Do not take this personally but remain spiritual, allowing the Holy Ghost to operate. The person you are visiting may be in pain or on medication that causes drowsiness, or other side effects. They may just need some rest and if you stay too long you may defeat the purpose of your visit. You do not want them to think . . . “I wish he would go home!”

Items To Take

Take items such as cards, flowers, money or any gift that is acceptable for the hospital. Do not take food or beverages of any kind unless you have permission to do so. Many people are on special diets and their recovery could depend on them remaining faithful to that diet.

BENEVOLENCE TO BEREAVED FAMILIES

There are two categories that need to be considered when ministering to those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one.

1. While interacting with the family, you will be able to discern or ask if the deceased was saved. Their answer will determine the content of your ministry to them.

2. If the person was not saved, this is not the time to tell the family that their loved one is in hell. Your responsibility is to bring comfort to the family by making sure they understand that God is the God of comfort and they can experience His love and comfort during times of bereavement. SERVICING

REPASTS

The Brotherhood will also be called upon at times to serve food and beverages at the repast of those who have died. The family will usually inform us when our help is needed. The Brotherhood is not responsible for paying for the food to be served. The family should supply these monies. There may be times, however when we will be asked to prepare a dish or to purchase something for the repast. The menu will be determined by the Sisterhood President and communicated to the other auxiliary presidents. The Brotherhood will be responsible for the set-up and clean up unless other arrangements have been made.

DRESSING APPROPRIATELY

In the sight of God it is more important that the inward man be adorned with meekness and a quiet spirit than the adorning of the flesh. A holy man must be aware of the impression he gives or the signal he sends to others. One of the functions of the Holy Ghost in our lives is to lead and guide us in ways that are acceptable to God, but we must be willing to listen to Him and not override Him because of our own desires. If a man dresses in a way that exposes too much flesh, he must ask himself why? Brothers need to be tutored in holiness by those who have overcome the lust of the flesh. Our bodies are the residence of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Shirts or tops that expose too much of the chest area, trousers or shorts that are tight fitting are just a few examples of apparel that holy men should not wear.

1 Peter 3:2-4

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price.