Starfish Ministries was formed in 1995 when the deacons of two Christian Reformed churches in the Twin Cities wanted to see ministry happen that went beyond the indivdiual church, according to Bonnie Smith, Ministry Coordinator.

Today, Starfish Ministries helps churches and their congregations encourage struggling families (called "participants") as they work toward self-identified goals. We train multiple volunteers (called "allies") and pair them with participants in the community who desire healthy support and encouragement.  "[Allies] are not experts or know-it-alls -- they are ordinary Christians who have the opportunity and privilege of coming alongside others and helping them succeed in fulfilling their God given potential."*  

The rest of the church may get involved as well.  Some churches choose a structure for ministry which includes the need for volunteers to provide a regular meal and childcare. Other volunteers may be able to provide short-term transportation or childcare, teach family members a skill, do simple home repairs or help in whatever way is helpful.  The family may also have physical needs, such as household goods, clothes or furniture, or financial needs. The church is encouraged to find community resources for these needs if possible.  But the church may, if it has the means, help with these needs.

Starfish staff screens potential families to assess their needs and gauge their level of motivation to change. They also work with the family to identify the goals they want to work toward. Generally their goals are in the areas of budgeting, employment, housing, education, parenting transportation, or spirituality.  

Starfish staff provides a 2- to 3-hour orientation and initial training for allies, facilitates the introduction of the allies and participant as well as coordinating quarterly meetings with the allies and participant to monitor progress.

Starfish Ministries' greatest challenge is finding churches willing to get involved in relational ministry. It's risky business. As you can imagine, participants do not always make good choices and allies can become discouraged and feel like they have ‘failed’. Starfish staff supports the allies and helps them understand the limits of their roles.  By walking alongside, by listening and by asking good questions, allies can help the participant come to a better understanding of their situation and thus make better choices. But ultimately, the participant family must be in charge of their own lives.  It’s risky but when good choices are made, the joy of being part of the solution is great.

As a nonprofit organization, Starfish Ministries believes it has a responsibility to help struggling families find solid ground.  At the same time, we know not everyone will be successful. Each person is an individual created by God and needs the body of Christ surrounding them and pointing to a better way. The road is a long one. Starfish Ministries makes no promises of success or riches.  Instead it provides hope through relationship, listening and learning.
 

We want to help you make a difference to those in poverty!