Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elizabeth Ministry?
How does it work?
Who are the Elizabeth Ministers?
Why is this needed?
What are the benefits?
How do I get more information?
Elizabeth Ministry is an international movement designed to support women and their families during the joys, trials and sorrows of the childbearing years. Elizabeth Ministry’s mission is to cherish children, encourage families and build community. We offer peer support, mentoring, spiritual nourishment, educational and inspirational resources. Back to Top
Volunteers become Elizabeth Ministers in the areas they have experienced. For example, a woman who has twins would visit and mentor a woman who is pregnant with twins. Continued support is given throughout the pregnancy and after the birth. This support comes in the form of visits, phone calls, cards, prayer, resources and assistance. The areas of Elizabeth Ministry include, but are not limited to: pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, regretted abortions, infant or child death, crisis or special needs, adoption, fertility and infertility. Support is available for women, men and children. Mothers, fathers, siblings and grandparents can benefit from Elizabeth Ministry. Back to Top
Who are the Elizabeth Ministers?
Elizabeth Ministers are volunteer representatives of a faith community. They are not counselors, but are present to offer peer support, mentoring and friendship only. No lengthy training is needed. Ministers are women willing to share their presence, stories, and experience in the hope that these will encourage another woman and her family. Back to Top
In past generations, the presence, intimacy, and support needed during childbearing years was found within the structures of family, neighborhood, church and community. Today, these structures are undergoing rapid change. Neighborhoods are fragmented, leaving many families isolated. Our churches have increased in size, making it more difficult to create a hospitable and loving environment. Mobility has caused extended families to be separated by many miles, making frequent visits impossible. Yet, the wisdom drawn from sharing stories of the joys and trials of bringing new life into a family is still needed. The support, reassurance and advice — usually given by the extended family — often needs to come from another source. Elizabeth Ministry is a response to this need. Back to Top
Elizabeth Ministry supports a faith community’s commitment toward the sanctity of life. It is a way to reach young adults as they build their families. Elizabeth Ministry also provides a focused dimension to bereavement ministry and marriage enrichment. It offers wisdom in this age of reproduction technology, while building community.
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How do I get more information?
Everything needed to start and maintain an Elizabeth Ministry Chapter is available from Elizabeth Ministry International. Additional resources to assist individuals and families are also available. Seminars, workshops and retreats can be scheduled. Contact us today!
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