FAQs
Here you can find some frequently asked (and answered) questions. If the answer you are seeking is not here, feel free to contact us.
Why do you do what you do?
Thanks for asking! We believe we are called to this specific area of ministry to the body of Christ out of our own personal experience with critical illnesses (see History page). First and foremost, it is an opportunity to help a family navigate the very dark waters of dealing with a loved one’s serious or terminal illness. It’s important that they be able to express the full range of their emotions (the good, the bad and the ugly) and still find God and His goodness at the end. Secondly, it is an open door for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with any unsaved family members, neighbors or friends who are able to experience a family being cared for in this way. When someone asks us, “why would you come in and scrub someone else’s toilet?”, we are more than happy to share with them that it is the love of Jesus shed abroad in our own hearts that motivates our service!
How much does it cost to engage your ministry?
Not one penny. Our services are completely free of charge. Very often, families we have worked with choose to make donations to the ministry to be used for other families in the future, but Care Leaders nor volunteers receive any pay. However, we would all be very quick to say that the blessings we receive from these families far outweigh any paycheck we could ever receive!
Where do your families come from?
Members of First Baptist Church Woodstock who have a critically ill loved one are eligible for the services provided by ALS.
Where do you get your volunteers?
Volunteers come from many sources. We enlist the help of Sunday School classes from High School through Senior Adult; other ministries the family or patient may be involved in; or families we have worked with in the past become volunteers to share what they have experienced with another family in crisis. When we are able to share our ministry with groups or classes within the Church, we usually get additional volunteers.
How many people work with ALS Ministries?
We currently have four Care Leaders who are assigned families on a rotating basis. Care Leaders are responsible for coordinating the care plan for their particular family and are available 24/7. In addition, we have a base of approximately 50 volunteers who faithfully support ALS and the needs of our families each and every month.
What types of things do you do for your families?
The most important thing we do for our families is provide a safe place for them to express themselves emotionally by giving them a listening ear and prayer support. Confidentiality is a top priority. We also serve to provide meals (either delivered or prepared in the home), housecleaning, yardwork, general errands, assisting with final arrangements, and bereavement support.
How does a family get assistance from your ministry?
By contacting the Pastoral Care department of First Baptist Church Woodstock at 770.926.4428
How can I get involved?
ALS is always looking to enlist volunteers. If you can cook, clean, do yardwork, read Scripture, pray, listen, or sit quietly at the bedside of a critically ill loved one, we have a place for you! Once a care plan is established, our volunteers receive an email outlining the specific needs of a family for the month. If you can help in one or more areas, great. If you can’t, simply wait for the next email. When it’s a good fit, we’ll put you to work.
I want to start ALS Ministries at my church. Can you help me?
Absolutely! There are three churches (two in Georgia and one in New York) that have taken our ministry into their own place of worship. We have training materials available and would be thrilled to walk you through the process of introducing ALS Ministry to your home church. The beauty of ALS is that it helps put into practice what the Bible teaches about ministering to each other and sharing one another’s burdens. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help you move forward with your vision for ALS in your own church.
