Pastoral Services
Pastoral Services provides professional and effective leadership and advocacy in the integration of persons who have a disability and/or a disadvantage into the local faith community. We work as a valued partner to local churches by providing education, training, and service opportunities to volunteers who wish to serve in this field.
Through our Church Partnership Program, our chaplains create opportunities for worship both directly, within Hope Network residential facilities, and indirectly, by linking individuals with disabilities or disadvantages to local faith communities of their choice where their gifts and talents can be used to serve the Body.
We strive to model mutuality in our caring and concern for persons living with disabilities/disadvantages by focusing on the strengths and gifts of each person. We recognize that all humanity has vulnerabilities and true communion can only happen when we all acknowledge and own this fact. Only then can we engage in mutual hospitality with one another.
Our services include but are not limited to:
- Awareness raising and education in local faith communities
- Linking consumers to faith communities of their choice
- Advocacy for the full inclusion of consumers in faith communities
- Mentor and Volunteer Training
- Creating collaborative partnerships and networks
- Christian guidance in times of crisis
- Daily chaplaincy services
- Annual "Gift of Hope" Drive
Find out more about Circle of Friends, our annual event to promote church partnerships.
For more information, please contact Pastoral Services at 616.248.5218 or jcornelison@hopenetwork.org