October 3-9, 2011
General Assembly News
PCT conducts training session to sharpen skills of volunteers serving in ministries for seniors
Reported by Chen Wei-chien
Written by Lydia Ma
The needs of an aging population is a serious issue that Taiwan must address seriously in the near future and Taiwanese churches have already begun. PCT realized that some professional training was necessary to equip its members in serving seniors. For this reason, it recently partnered with Taiwan Christian Service to cosponsor a seminar.
The 2011 Volunteer Training for Professional Senior Care was held September 29-October 1, 2011, at Presbyterian Bible College in Hsinchu. Besides registrants who registered as groups representing church ministries or organizations, 17 pastors and 14 elders and deacons registered for this seminar – evidence that ministries for seniors are gaining prominence among PCT churches whether out of need or interest.
This training was divided into various sessions that were taught by scholars as well as professionals. These experts addressed the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of seniors to participants and also taught them how to collaborate with government organizations that serve seniors. Each session was carefully planned and rich in content so that participants would be well equipped.
Rev. Lee Fong-jiao, Pine Life (Senior Citizens) Ministry Committee Secretary, said the training session was unique because it was tailor made for churches and included tips on evangelistic outreach. She underscored that churches must be prepared to deal with an aging population and this training would go a long way in helping volunteers understand seniors, whether they wind up serving seniors in a church setting or in their own communities.
