ENDORSEMENTS

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"In her role overseeing the care of 18,000 parishioners at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Karen Lampe has developed what many consider to be the best congregational care practices in the United States. In her book, The Caring Congregation, she describes those standards and offers concrete stories illustrating their practice and step-by-step instruction for how to offer outstanding pastoral care. It is a "must read" book for pastors, lay ministers, and seminary students. The congregational care model Karen Lampe teaches will dramatically improve the quality of pastoral care while engaging laity in ways that will enrich and bless them and those they care for."

"The Caring Congregation [Webinar] Workshop was a powerful experience that opened the eyes of our congregation on what it means to care for people. It provided a deeper understanding to their own life story and how God has already equipped them to care for others. Since that day, fifteen individuals have committed to being a Congregational Care Minister and many have started developing teams and guidelines for specific areas of care that meet an immediate need in our church and community. The Caring Congregation ignited the fire in our congregation and has empowered the people to serve in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I can not wait to see what God does in and through this ministry."

"Rev. Karen Lampe’s grasp on both the theological and formational significance of Congregational Care and the practical tools and strategies needed to provide good care are so helpful!  She connects quickly and deeply with workshop participants so that they walk away not only equipped but feeling empowered to provide this ministry.  At Westlake UMC we now have more than 20 commissioned Congregational Care Ministers who provide care to those who are sick, hurting, or grieving for a variety of reasons in any number of settings.  Because of our CCMs we are able to provide quality, comprehensive care more broadly than ever before.  I’m not worried about people falling through the cracks and you wouldn’t believe what a comfort that is as pastor!"

"The Congregational Care Ministry program that Pastor Karen Lampe has developed is simply the best way to care for those in our congregations!  I have been a CCM (Congregational Care Minister) for several years and have seen this model of care used successfully to spread God’s love to others. Being a CCM is a great blessing to the care-recipient and caregiver. Pastor Lampe’s workbook will be a great guide for you now and an often-used resource later. This care model allows any size of church to spread God’s love efficiently, practically, and in a timely manner."

"Rev. Karen Lampe is a messenger, through her guidance and teaching and modeling, who enables others to find gifts of compassion, service, and love. Then Karen shares the many tools she has to help others find their "fit" and how best to use these tools for others.  Her genuine love for people and God are ever-present as she encourages people to stretch and reach and find the joy that caring for others can give.  Because of Rev. Karen Lampe, and her CCM training, WUMC has over 20 eager, kind, and ready volunteers to see to the needs of the entire congregation.  Under our Pastor's leadership, she has made a dream become a reality."

"During the 7 years that I had the privilege of working with Karen, I was constantly learning something new from her about the importance of teamwork, devotion to the highest quality of care for those who are suffering, and how to create healing spaces within the church.  Her expertise in running an effective, inclusive, truly Christ-centered care ministry is unmatched.  Karen understands the importance of being a clear, decisive leader, and she is at her best when she is helping others grow into their own leadership potential.  I believe that is the definition of a truly great teacher."