Philosophy

The Personal Prayer Ministry, commonly known as PPM, is a free, short term (up to 6 sessions) biblically based_ peer support and prayer ministry. PPM is designed to facilitate spiritual growth in one's relationship with Jesus Christ, it is not professional counseling. This ministry seeks to assist those persons who need and request individualized prayer and spiritual support. Our guidance is based on biblical principles. These principles are designed to deepen your relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

God has seen fit to work with and through us in moving people toward Christ- Centered wholeness. It is, therefore, our expectation that He will use us to help you, but we cannot promise results. We can only promise that we will do our best to work with God for your good and God's glory.

Each prayer meeting will be focused on helping you make spiritual progress -believing that Jesus has a plan for your life and will help you to overcome the obstacles of life you are dealing with. There is a move toward spiritual wholeness as we seek the Lord together. Seldom is this all that is necessary for you to attain the complete freedom you and God desire. It is always advisable for you to actively pursue spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer; church attendance and worship; as well.

Toward the end of your time with us, we will encourage you to take the next step in your spiritual growth by participating in Celebrate Recovery, Oaks of Righteousness, or a specific small group that meets your needs. Your prayer team will be available to assist you with considering the best options for you.

Helpers

The members in the Personal Ministry Team are called helpers. They are not professional, or licensed counselors or therapists. They are volunteers who have been trained to listen, encourage, support, pray, identify spiritual bondages and are committed to seeing people experience freedom and spiritual wholeness in their lives

The Helpers are not healers. Only Jesus Christ through the power of his Holy Spirit can bring wholeness into your life. The Bible says the Holy Spirit is the real counselor. The Helpers use the Bible and prayer for guidance and direction in helping people deal with their problems. We want you to be comfortable receiving individual prayer. We will work with you only as you choose to work with us:

Helpers receive guidance from the Pastoral Care Pastor and PPM leaders at the Vineyard. As needed, the pastor and leaders are kept informed of your situation and progress to make sure you are getting the right type of support you need.

Basic Ministry Guidelines

A prayer team consisting of two helpers will attend your meeting. One will guide the meeting, and the other will assist by listening and praying for you. Each meeting will last 1 to 2 Hours. Up to 6 sessions may be available to you.

Prayer meetings are arranged with your prayer team. Meetings are usually held at the church. Under special circumstances, meetings may be held elsewhere. Please be on time for your meetings. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call the church office at least 24 hours in advance. The phone number is 734-8100. Helpers freely give their time to you, and appreciate your cooperation with this. If you fail to cancel your appointments, your involvement with this ministry may be discontinued. Participants should not call helpers between sessions unless there is a previous plan to do so. If an emergency arises, please call the church at 734-8100.

Sometimes, participants are in need of professional medical or mental health treatment that cannot be provided by this ministry. If we believe that you are in need of professional interventions, we will encourage you to seek that level of support. We will discuss with you options to consider, and we will encourage you to get the help you need, you are responsible for following through. We will try our best to help you with emergency situations.

We will encourage you to take your medications as prescribed and follow medical or psychological treatment that has been ordered for you. We will not discourage you from participating in your personal health care. If you are in disagreement with your treatment, we will encourage you to discuss those concerns with your physician or therapist.
The only records regularly kept are the application, ministry agreement, and attendance. Helpers reserve the right to discuss or disclose concerns with the Prayer Ministry leader and the Pastoral Care Pastor at Vineyard Church. Please read "Special Considerations" for details.

We welcome your honesty and comments. If for any reason, you feel uncomfortable or disagree with anything, please let us know so we can address your concerns. You may choose to stop your involvement in this ministry at any time.

Your Participation

• Be expectant, but do not get upset or angry if all that you expect does not happen quickly.
• Be patient with yourself, with us, and with God.
• Be prayerful and open for growth and change under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• Engage your will to work with the Holy Spirit and us to move toward what God wants for you.
• Forgive us if we make mistakes, forgive yourself if you make mistakes, and release God if He doesn't do things the way you expect them to be done.
• Seek God daily in prayer, bible study, and the fellowship of other believers

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Personal Prayer Ministry Team: Helpers receive ongoing guidance and training for your benefit from Vineyard's Pastoral Care Pastor.

Limited Support: Person Prayer Ministry is a short-term prayer ministry support, which normally lasts 3-6 sessions. The prayer team is not required to provide additional support outside of scheduled prayer meetings. Sometimes the Personal Prayer Ministry may not be considered appropriate for an individual. Should that be determined, participation with the ministry would end.

Confidentiality and Limitations: The confidentiality that you share with your prayer team will be carefully guarded. The prayer team will do their best to keep information
about you and your situation confidential. However, the PPM cannot always guarantee that all information can be kept confidential. There may be a special situation that the prayer team needs to discuss with the Pastor of Pastoral Care at Vineyard Church. When possible, we will inform you and obtain your consent. Helpers reserve the right to discuss or disclose concerns with the Pastor of Pastoral Care at the Vineyard.

Confidentiality and Limitations: Intent to Harm Self or Another:
It is important for you to understand that we will take seriously any statements you make, or intentions you have to commit suicide or harm yourself or any other person. Vineyard volunteers, leaders, staff, or pastors will report any individual who makes threatening statements, or intends to take harmful, dangerous, or criminal action against another individual or him/ her self. Threats, intentions, or concerns will be reported to proper authorities including 911, law enforcement centers, DFS, hospitals, etc. Vineyard Church volunteers, leaders, staff, or pastors will also warn any individual of your intent to harm them or take criminal action against them. Those warned may include:

1. The person or family member who is likely to suffer from harmful behavior.
2. The family of the individual who intends to harm him/ herself or someone else.
3. Associates or friends of those threatened or making threats.
4. Law Enforcement, Dept. Family Services, 911, Hospital Emergency Room, etc.

Suspected acts of child or dependent adult abuse including sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect will be also be reported to the appropriate authorities including law enforcement agencies, the Dept. of Family Services, etc. Vineyard pastors, staff, leaders, or volunteers will report and cooperate with agencies that govern such concerns noted above.

When it is possible and appropriate, we will attempt to notify you, the participant, of any intentions to report or-inform. Every effort will be made to prevent limitations with confidentiality, unless it would be harmful to do so.

To make an appointment: Email Connie Muller.