Ministry to People Facing Unemployment

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Meeting needs of people facing unemployment may be one of the greatest needs in many churches today, providing opportunities not only to help church families survive but also to present the gospel to many who have been impacted by financial changes.

How to Minister to Families in Your Church

For most people, the apparent need is to provide alternative job options for those who are terminated. Church leaders can establish a referral network within the church family to help people find temporary or permanent employment. Not all businesses and corporations face the same kinds of downswings, so while some businesses are cutting back, others may be hiring.

Some churches have provided computer training workshops so some members and community residents can learn the latest computer skills. Today’s technology-based world needs people with varying degrees of computer skills, so creating a small computer lab and providing training can be a tremendous ministry opportunity. Church leaders also may discover opportunities to help people get new educational and professional skills through community colleges, adult education opportunities and local technical schools.

But an unknown factor to many people is the emotional and psychological impact being terminated can be for people. Family and personal problems can develop when emotional stress grows. Watch carefully for signs that indicate emotional changes in members.

Consider these tips:

Dos

• Keep or seek regular contact with the unemployed person until a new job has been found.
• Find areas to affirm the person in some area of life.
• Be a good listener, so the person may be able to vent frustrations.
• Express confidence in the person.
• Help develop a positive outlook during this crisis. 
• Schedule, when possible, a time to pray with the person.
• Assure the person of his or her value to you, the church, and God.
• Help the person find a job that provides fulfillment.
• Offer to help with any special needs, such as money, food, medical care, and so forth. Do this only after a line of communication is opened. 
• Maintain a relationship after the person finds other employment.

Don’ts

• Don’t listen to gossip.
• Don’t pry into the reasons for the loss of job. Let the person discuss reasons for loss of job when - and if - the person is ready.
• Don’t encourage negative feelings, because these become burdens.
• Don’t push a person to find a job immediately. The person may need time to reflect on life priorities.
• Don’t push to provide immediate help, such as money, food, clothes, because this could compound the crisis.
• Don’t try to make decisions for the individual and/or family.
• Don’t assume an unemployed person or family is destitute. Watch and listen for needs, and make sure people who are unemployed understand that your offer of help is merely an expression of Christian love.