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Appendix 3: PRAYER MINISTRY GUIDELINES
In Prayer-Ministry, personal prayer is offered on a regular basis for a season. These guidelines are designed to create openness, and give protection to all concerned.
1. Do not pray ALONE with a member of the opposite sex.
2. If someone is on essential medication they
must only change this in co-operation with their doctor. The
prayer-ministers must insist on this for ministry to continue.
3. If a prayer-ministry enters a ministry
situation with a Church Member through their own contact, they should
inform the Pastors so that revelant information can be shared. They should keep the Pastors informed as necessary.
4. If a prayer-minister comes across
difficulties, they should not hesitate to seek advice or help from the
Pastor. This would not be seen as failure but wisdom.
5. The principle of confidentiality should not
extend to keeping important information from the Pastors (this applies
to situations where the unity, life, health and witness of the Church
is at risk). This should be made clear as a ground-rule to anyone
receiving ministry. The Pastor needs to know (1) if the person is
involved in something illegal, (2) if the person comes off essential
medication without the agreement and supervision of their doctor, (3)
if the person’s words or actions are endangering the life of the
Church. For example if he/she is causing strife, division or trying to
usurp authority in the Church, then the Pastor needs to know about it.
Follow Matthew 18:15-17.
6. Prayer-ministry is a temporary ministry
arrangement. The aim (success) is for them to find freedom in Christ
and grow to the point where they are not dependent on your ministry. Be
careful not to create over-dependency. If the person is not applying
the Word of God in their life (e.g. not taking the ‘homework’ seriously),
then the prayer-ministers should feel free to discontinue ministry rather than waste their time.