Listen Course
Learning to Care with Compassion and Confidence
Ready to offer a course to anyone in your church community that trains them to care, pray and share with those who are struggling?​
How to Engage
The Helper Course
There are four ways to engage the Listen: Care Prayer Share Course with us.
Calendar of Upcoming Listen
& Advanced Courses
1. Join the Listen Course to learn the Basic Skills in a live interactive group led by our staff.
2. The Advanced Certificate is an interactive, in-depth training with Dr Ripley. Can be taken at the same time or after the Basic Listen Course
Listen Course
Upcoming Helper Course Dates
Course is 11am - 5pm EST
Designed to Train the Trainers​​​​
June 20, Espanol
July 11 English
Sept 12 English
Sept 19 Espanol
October 17, English
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or Anytime, DIY with a friend or your group. See DIY option below
Advanced Certificate Group
Fall 2026 Advanced Certificate
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Four Group Meetings
August 31 8pm EST
Sept 30 8pm EST
Oct 26 8pm EST
Nov 30 8pm EST
Welcome to
The Listen Course
Earn a certificate in the important interpersonal skills to take your care-related ministry to the next level.
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03.
Practice skills with a partner guided by the workbook
Check it out
Materials here to support you as you engage training in The Church Cares
Pasos para la capacitación de The Church Cares
03.
Practica las habilidades con un compañero guiándote por el cuaderno de trabajo
The Church Cares Training Path
Listen, Deepen, Practice
When life gets hard, people turn to the Church.
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But who do they find there?
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What if your church could be known as the place where no one has to hurt alone?
The Advanced Caregiver Certification is a three-tiered training pathway that helps churches build sustainable, Christ-centered care teams led by trained lay volunteers. It’s more than a course—it’s a movement to restore the Church’s role as a first responder in today’s mental and emotional health crisis.
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The Church Cares Training Path
Level 1: Listen
Listen Class
A 6-hour introduction to relational caregiving for anyone with a heart to help.
You’ll learn:
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How to listen with empathy and spiritual wisdom
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The CARE model: Coordinated Attention, Accessible Support, Relational Encouragement
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What to say—and what not to say—when someone’s hurting
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How to stay grounded and avoid burnout
Includes: video teaching, discussion prompts, roleplay, and practical tools
Cost: Donation-based (pay what you can) for churches, ministries, and individuals to implement themselves as a class at your church
Outcome: Certificate of Completion – Church-Based Helper
Level 2: Deepen
Advanced Certificate in
The Church Cares
Deepen your theology. Expand your toolbox.
For those stepping into more intentional roles within care ministry. In this level, participants will:
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Explore a theology of care grounded in Scripture
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Read and discuss three books:
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Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp,
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When Hurting People Come to Church – Feldhahn & Sells
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Ministering to Families in Crisis – Ripley, Sells & Chandler
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Reflect on real-world ministry situations
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Articulate a biblical approach to emotional and relational needs
Outcome: Certified Care Ministry Advocate
Led by experienced clinicians and ministry trainers. Great for team leads, coordinators, or anyone seeking to strengthen their biblical foundation for care.
Cost: $100 plus purchase readings.
Sign up at https://calendly.com/thechurchcares/advanced
If you church wants to offer this as a group or you have questions email us with your interest. info@thechurchcares.com
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Level 3: Practice
Care Listening Practicum
Put your care into action—with feedback and support.
In this final tier, you’ll:
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Engage in 15 hours of real-world listening ministry
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Submit recorded conversations (with help-seeker’s permission) for peer and mentor review
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Participate in mentoring or small group processing and debrief sessions
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Receive ongoing encouragement and supervision
Outcome: Advanced Caregiver Certification
You’ll emerge not only equipped—but confident, supported, and transformed.
Cost: $300
Email us with your interest. info@thechurchcares.com