The Outreach Ministries are
committed to mobilizing the congregation at Albany Baptist through
awareness and education to reach the unsaved in Athens, Albany, and
the surrounding communities, and ultimately the world, with the good
news of Jesus Christ.
CLOWNS FOR CHRIST
The Clowns for Christ initially worked to minister and teach within
our church. Now, they routinely go to a variety of local venues
to minister, including fairs, schools, libraries, and other public
gatherings. They paint faces, make balloon animals and talk with
the children. While they entertain the children, our outreach
pastor and volunteers talk with their parents and other adults about
the
love of Christ and invite them to visit Albany Baptist.
Those
who participate in this ministry actually go to "Clown
School" to learn how to minister and share the gospel with
people.
For more information, contact Bert Christian.
BASIC NEEDS MINISTRY (BNM)
This ministry was developed to help meet
the basic needs of people in our community, including food,
clothing, and shelter. Staffed
by volunteers, it is primarily devoted to assisting the needy
with food and clothing, but sometimes help with rent or utility
bills
is given. Those in need can leave a message at 740-698-3163.
Each evening, volunteers return phone calls to verify needs
and schedule
appointments to provide assistance.
Twice
a year, in May and October, the Basic Needs Ministry assists
over 200 people in need of
clothing. Many volunteers sort the clothing
donated by the congregation and the community. Before the giveaway,
Pastor Bert explains that we are called to ministry to our neighbors,
invites them to attend our services if they do not have a church
home, and prays with those waiting. "Clowns for Christ" are
on hand to help entertain the children during the giveaway.
The goal of BNM is to provide basic assistance to those in need,
but ultimately the priority is to minister to their spiritual
needs by sharing with them the gospel message.
For more information, contact
the church office..
VISITATION MINISTRIES
Our pastor of congregational care and outreach leads volunteers
in a variety of visitation ministries to follow up with visitors
and to care for our members that are sick or shut-in.
• GUEST
VISITATION MINISTRY
The Guest Visitation Ministry was developed to insure that those
who visit our church receive a return visit in a timely manner.
The goal is to get to know guests a little better; provide information
on the church's history, present, and vision; and encourage them
to visit Albany Baptist again.
• NURSING
HOME VISITATION MINISTRY
Our Nursing Home Visitation Ministry began in 2002 to minister
to our members of Albany Baptist Church, along with others that
we meet while visiting. Four teams of two assist Pastor Bert
in visiting each of four local nursing homes on alternating weeks
to ensure that the residents are visited consistently. The ministry
teams receive training on how to conduct the visits, including
introductions, handling and physical contact, feeding the residents,
privacy matters, etc. The teams update the residents on what's
happening at Albany Baptist, read scripture, and pray with them.
• HOSPITAL
VISITATION MINISTRY
Pastor Bert primarily conducts the Hospital Visitation Ministry
since the major changes in privacy laws in April 2003, which
limits information on who is in the hospital. Pastor Bert visits
and prays with the patients, and makes himself available to anyone
else with spiritual needs.
For more information, contact Bert Christian.