What a Mom’s Pep Talk in the Living Room Taught Me About Care Ministry

Here at The Church Cares, we aim to nurture the congregational care helpers. That’s why we’re proud to offer free high-quality support to those who want to pray, care, and engage more effectively with the hurting world around them.

By Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D.

Dr. Ripley is Co-director of The Church Cares, Hughes Chair and Professor of Psychology at Regent University

Sometimes the Church just needs to sound more like a mom with a mission.

If you haven’t seen this yet, stop what you’re doing and see this

It’s a regular home video: a little boy standing in the living room, facing his mom.

She’s holding a basketball, looking him in the eye, and laying down one of the greatest, yet simple, locker-room speeches of all time:

“You’re down one point. You go out there. You score. You shoot. You put everything in there.”

She hands him the ball.

Without hesitation, he turns around, runs to the hoop in the next room and sinks the shot.

Victory.

Joy.

Celebration.

It’s wholesome, it’s powerful, and it might be the best picture we’ve seen in a while of how to commission someone into ministry, especially listening and care ministry.

What Makes This So Powerful?

Let’s break it down. This mom:

●     Named the mission. (“You’re down one point.”)

●     Clarified the task. (“You go. You score. You shoot.”)

●     Called out his heart. (“You put everything in there.”)

●     Handed him the ball. (Literally.)

And the boy? He believed her. He trusted her voice. He acted.

That’s what so many people in our churches are longing for. Not hype. Not pressure. Just clear encouragement and loving permission to go do the thing God’s put on their heart.

Ministry Doesn’t Start with Confidence; It Starts with Encouragement

At The Church Cares, we talk a lot with volunteers who are nervous to step into care ministry. They’re not afraid because they don’t care, they’re afraid because they care so much they don’t want to mess it up.

And the number one thing they need?

Not more information.

Encouragement.

Someone to look them in the eye and say:

“You can do this. You’re not alone. It matters. Now go put everything in there.”

That’s not hype. That’s commissioning.

We See This All Over Scripture

Think about the way God launches people into mission:

●     Moses: “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

●     Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

●     Gideon: “Go in the strength you have.” (Judges 6:14)

●     The disciples: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

God never commissions from a distance. He sends with presence, purpose, and peace.

That’s what this mom in the video models so well. She’s not behind a podium. She's right with him. Holding the ball. Making eye contact. Saying:

“You’re down one point. Let’s go.”

And the kid? He goes.

That’s ministry. That’s leadership. That’s Church.

What This Means for Care Ministry

There are people in your church—maybe you—who are standing in the living room of life, holding back, wondering:

●     “Do I really have what it takes?”

●     “What if I get it wrong?”

●     “Am I allowed to do this kind of ministry if I’m not a professional?”

And here’s what they need:

A voice like that mom’s.

“You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be polished. You just need to go put everything in there.”

That’s why we created the CARE Model.

It’s not a program. It’s a pathway. It helps everyday people:

●     Listen well

●     Respond with presence

●     Know when to refer

●     And carry burdens without burning out

All built on the truth that ministry doesn’t start with confidence. It starts with calling.

You Don’t Need a Stage to Send Someone

This pep talk didn’t happen in a sanctuary or strategy session.

It happened in the living room.

And that’s where most ministry starts:

●     In a side conversation after small group.

●     In a car ride with a teen who’s opening up.

●     In a volunteer huddle before service.

That’s where we remind people:

“What you’re doing matters. Go out there. Put everything in it. I’m with you.”

Because that’s how leaders are made. One voice. One moment. One ball handed over with belief.

Let’s Be That Kind of Church

Imagine if the Church became known for:

●     Cheering people on instead of waiting for perfection

●     Naming purpose instead of demanding performance

●     Sending well instead of just staffing needs

Imagine if volunteers in your church heard from you:

“You’re ready. You care. You’ve got this. Now go.”

That could change everything.

Ready to Hand Someone the Ball?

If you’re looking for a way to launch or strengthen care ministry in your church, we’ve got the tools to make it simple and biblical:

●     ✅ CARE QuickStart Guide – Sign up for Free and practical, with everything you need to start

●     ✅ 6-Week Volunteer Training – Video-based, easy to lead, built on Scripture and psychology

●     ✅ Ongoing Coaching and Support – Because you’re not alone either

You’re down one point. You’ve got the ball. It’s your turn.

Go score.

Put everything in there.

We’re cheering you on.