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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?
GET THE LISTEN DISCUSSION GUIDE
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WATCH THE TRAILER
SEE THE LISTEN COURSE IN ACTION
Get a preview of what your team will experience — real conversations about listening with empathy, spiritual wisdom, and confidence.
WAYS TO ENGAGE
HOW TO ENGAGE THE HELPER COURSE
There are four ways to engage the Listen: Care Prayer Share Course with us.
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UPCOMING SESSIONS
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING LISTEN
& ADVANCED COURSES
Join the Listen Course to learn the Basic Skills in a live interactive group led by our staff. 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
WELCOME TO THE LISTEN COURSE
STEPS FOR THE CHURCH CARES TRAINING
Earn a certificate in the important interpersonal skills to take your care-related ministry to the next level.
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THE CHURCH CARES TRAINING PATH
LISTEN. DEEPEN. PRACTICE.
When life gets hard, people turn to the Church. But who do they find there? 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.
LEVEL 1: LISTEN
Listen Class
A 6-hour introduction to relational caregiving for anyone with a heart to help. You’ll learn:
How to listen with empathy and spiritual wisdom.
The CARE model: Coordinated Attention, Accessible Support, Relational Encouragement.
What to say—and what not to say—when someone’s hurting.
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:
Explore a theology of care grounded in Scripture.
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
Reflect on real-world ministry situations.
Articulate a biblical approach to emotional and relational needs
Cost: $100 plus purchase readings. If you church wants to offer this as a group or you have questions email us with your interest. info@thechurchcares.com
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.
LEVEL 3: PRACTICE
Care Listening Practicum
Put your care into action—with feedback and support. In this final tier, you’ll:
Engage in 15 hours of real-world listening ministry.
Submit recorded conversations (with help-seeker’s permission) for peer and mentor review.
Participate in mentoring or small group processing and debrief sessions.
Receive ongoing encouragement and supervision.
Includes:
video teaching, discussion prompts, roleplay, and practical tools
Cost:
$300
Email us with your interest. info@thechurchcares.com
Outcome:
Advanced Caregiver Certification
You’ll emerge not only equipped—but confident, supported, and transformed.
FREE DOWNLOAD
GET THE LISTEN COURSE DISCUSSION GUIDE
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Listen Course Discussion Guide
PDF workbook · available with password
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