Monthly Archives: April 2013

Even Paul Needed Member Care

Some historical thoughts on Missionary Member Care

Clearing Customs

5389776890_84c6406d67_nEven Paul—the apostle, the quintessential missionary, and, to many, the quintessential Christian—needed member care.

At times, Paul stressed his independence. In his letter to the Galatian churches, he affirmed that his role as an apostle came directly from Jesus, not from his association with the other apostles:

But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia, and then returned to Damascus.

But Paul wasn’t a loner. He took partners with him on his missionary trips, and he looked to others for encouragement and comfort . . . for member care.

When Paul finally met with the apostles in Jerusalem, Barnabas helped him by being his advocate, vouching for his dedication to Jesus. Later, Barnabas sought out Paul for…

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In Case You Were Wondering…

We have had a few questions recently regarding CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) in Manila. Over a year ago, we expanded CPE out of Baguio City to Manila… particularly, Quezon City.

This continued into 2012. However, in 2012, CPSP-PI (the Philippine branch of the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy) was formed. With the organization of CPSP-PI chapters in October, we made a major change. Certification for training centers would not only be based on organization but on region. Rather than dealing with overseeing separately certified training centers in different parts of the country, we decided to spin off the Manila CPE centers.

We are still connected with the CPE centers in Manila, but via CPSP-PI. However, since October 2012, we are not connected organizationally.

So… we are carrying out CPE training in Baguio City and La Trinidad. For those interested in CPSP-certified CPE training in Manila or other parts of the Philippines, please check with CPSP-Philippines (www.cpspp.org)

CPE Introduction

<div style=”margin-bottom:5px”> <strong> <a href=”http://www.slideshare.net/bmunson3/clinical-pastoral-education-at-bukal-life-care&#8221; title=”Clinical Pastoral Education at Bukal Life Care” target=”_blank”>Clinical Pastoral Education at Bukal Life Care</a> </strong> from <strong><a href=”http://www.slideshare.net/bmunson3&#8243; target=”_blank”>Bob Munson</a></strong> </div>

Supporting Missions by Supporting Missionaries

One of our growing areas of work has been in the area of Missionary Member Care. For those who do not know, Missionary Member Care (MMC) deals with the logistical, emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of mission work. As a pastoral care and counseling center, we don’t have much to do with certain aspects of MMC, but have much we can do in other areas.

One organization we have been assisting is Asia Vision Short-Term Missions (AV-STM). AV-STM was founded back in 2003 and sends out teams of Filipinos and Asians on short-term and mid-term mission trips in Southeast and Central Asia.

For 2013, we have been able to assist in a few ways:

  • Jehny has been able to do personality evaluations to assist members in self-understanding and team dynamics
  • Celia provided training in basic first aid and health issues while on mission.
  • Joyce provided training in conflict resolution
  • Our team provided First Aid kits and vitamins for the mission teams
  • If needed, we will provide post-trip debriefing

Bob will be teaching Missionary Member Care at Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary this May. It is our hope that we will gain greater competence in the myriad of challenges associated with missions work.

Those who commit to serve in a missions capacity are “too valuable to lose.” For information on AV-STM, Click Here