Follow Me On Twitter
Subscribe to the Network
HSM’s Prayer Patio
This fall we launched HSM’s Prayer Patio – a simple place for students to hang out after the service. Right outside the auditorium you’ll find chairs and people, waiting to counsel or pray with you. And I love it! It has grown to include some strong elements beyond a live person praying for a student – now there’s a cross you can nail your sins/prayers/confessions to, a whiteboard for you to write praises/requests on, and a place for more information and help beyond the moment. Future plans include a serious pastoral care Facebook page and a rack of pamphlets and information to help students dealing with tough stuff.
Here’s a few reasons why I love what having the prayer patio says about HSM:
It allows us to express care
We have an easy, immediate step where a student can find help. No questions, no abiguity – an ultra clear name and literally 5 steps away from where you’re sitting.It helps you focus on people
I don’t know about you, but I’m just a *little bit* addicted to programs. This flies directly in the face of that people are what’s most important, not programs. Too often that’s where I default, and this helps us stay balanced.It gives different types of volunteers an outlet to serve
Some volunteers would thrive to have a place like this to care for students. Someone who is wired to love on students, have impactful conversations, this prayer patio is practically made for them.
JG
View More: pastoral care, prayer, prayer patio, saddleback hsm
Man, what a great ministry tool and opportunity. As soon as I read this I knew this is the kind of thing my ministry is missing out on. Quick question, how or would you adapt it to Middle School Ministry vs. High School?