Lazarus Ministry

Lazarus Counselors and Hosts share Christ's love and mercy with people in crisis situations by doing their best to address the immediate needs of the individuals seeking assistance. Neighbors come to our doors each week seeking assistance coping with financial, health, and family crisis. Lazarus volunteers live out their call as disciples by opening doors to all who wish to enter.

Ministry Needs

This is very much a people oriented volunteer opportunity. The Lazarus Counselor talks with a client one on one about a variety of needs and life situations such as assistance with rent, transportation, food, clothing, counseling, budgeting, medical needs, and sometimes just providing a listening ear and open heart. The Counselor discusses needs with the guests, assessing their needs and the manner with which we can help, which ranges from financial help to referrals to other resources.  

The Lazarus Host welcomes each guest, asking his/her need. Other responsibilities include maintaining order in the reception area, pulling records if the guest has seen a counselor previously, recording information for new guests, and ushering guests in to meet with a Counselor. The Counselor's or Host's greatest skill and asset is being a good listener. Empathy and ability to assess the actual, and often underlying, needs of a guest are critical. A balance of good common sense and spirituality is necessary. It is important for a Counselor to have a cooperative nature and some clerical skills.

Training Provided

Training is provided and you are able to "shadow" a Counselor to get a picture of the "what's and how's" of being a Lazarus Counselor or Host until you are ready to go solo. Counselors and Hosts never work alone.

Meetings and Time Required

Lazarus hours are Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. The length and time of the commitment is determined by the volunteer.

Benefits

A Lazarus Counselor once said, " I have found that by giving a few hours each week to Lazarus guests, it has made me more aware of life. By simply talking, taking someone's hand praying together can make us all feel the presence of God working in our lives." Another Counselor remarked that being a Counselor gave her a welcomed and needed balance in her life.

Who Can I Call to Find Out More or to Get Involved?

Mary Dixon Hutcheson, Assistant for Pastoral Care, Outreach and Mission, at 703-549-1450, ext. 123. Click here to send Mary Dixon an email.