Everyday miracles: Using client narratives to write teaching vignettes for faith communities

Abstract

In the past two decades, churches and faith-based organizations have played an increasing role in the provision of social services. Because teachings about poverty and how to treat people who are poor are prevalent in major religions of the world, faith communities seem to be a natural fit as service providers for families transitioning from welfare to work. However, it is conceivable that lay persons who volunteer in faith-based programs will face challenges when they begin to provide services to people who are poor. The purpose of this brief article is to present vignettes (based on Biblical poetry, psalms, proverbs, and parables) that are suitable for use in training volunteers from faith communities who will be working with families transitioning from welfare to work.