This guide is to provide direction where you need it. Be sure you cover the main points, but we asked you to care for people because you’re completely capable with the Lord’s help. Please use what you need, and skip over what you don’t.

This is only a guide…please don’t read it verbatim 🙂

Greeting

Hello [NAME], this is [YOUR NAME] from Oak Grove.

(Small chat for a minute.)

Biblical Encouragement

Something like the Coronavirus, and the effects it has on our way of life, can lead to all sorts of situations, and all-of-a-sudden we find ourselves fearful, nervous, anxious, and more. Sometimes these feelings can catch us pretty off-guard.

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing these thoughts. Isiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.“

(Or share a verse the Lord has used more personally for you.)

In times like these we have such an opportunity to be salt and light to those around us, which may even cause them to ask questions of us as they see our calm demeanor and care for others (Matt 5:13-16).

God is actively at work in us, showing us how we need to depend on Him more, and actually helping us do it.

Ask about needs, discouragement, fear, etc.

One of the neatest ways God brings comfort is through praying for one another. What couple things can I be praying about for you?

[LISTEN FOR RESPONSE]

Thanks so much for sharing. Would it be alright if I pray with you now?

[PRAY] 

I’m so thankful the Lord has given us the Body of Christ to be able to walk alongside one another during this time. Could I ask you to pray for me about ______________?

Thank you.

As you’re talking with neighbors, or if you realize that you have a certain need, call/text/email me/us anytime (hi@oakgrove.cc).

Conclude

I so appreciate you taking a few minutes to talk with me. I’ll continue praying for you and we’ll keep trusting the Lord together. Bye.

After Call

Write down what you learned to be able to follow up with them in the future and communicate to the care team as it seems appropriate. 

Complete form to let leadership know if there are specific needs we can work together to meet.

Other encouraging passages:

• When in need of strength—Psalm 46
• When in fear—Psalm 23
• When discouraged—Isaiah 40
• When filled with anxiety—Matthew 6:19–34
• When life seems bigger than God—Psalm 90
• When God seems distant—Psalm 139
• When in need of peace and rest—Matthew 11:25–30
• The secret of happiness—Matthew 5:1–9
• When in need of mercy—Psalm 103
• When concerned about forgiveness—Psalm 51:1–13
• When concerned about eternal life—John 3:1–21
• Who is Jesus Christ?—John 20:30–31; 1 John 5:11–13
• Why did Jesus come?—Isaiah 53; Romans 5
• God’s plan of salvation—Ephesians 2:1–10
• Christ our Mediator—1 Timothy 2:5–6
• When concerned about faith—Hebrews 11
• God’s unfailing love—Romans 8:31–39
• The goodness of God—Psalm 111