Everything contained in this Handbook has been put into practice and proven effective in implementing, sustaining, and expanding a successful CARE ministry. The principles and guidelines are Biblically based and modeled as much as possible after the ministry examples set by the Apostles as the early church met, worshipped, fellowshipped, and shared the Word of God in gatherings held in private homes. CARE ministry is Apostolic in its origin and mission. May you CARE ministry be richly blessed and successful in carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Apostles to your city and community.

1. Chapter One - The CARE Group Leader: A Spiritual Shepherd
2. Chapter Two - The CARE group Leader: Building Community, Unity, and Vision
3. Chapter Three - Job Descriptions
4. Chapter Four - Before The Meeting
5. Chapter Five - The CARE Meeting
6. Chapter Six - The Ministry Of Teaching
7. Chapter Seven - Creative Serving Putting Love Into Action
8. Responsible Leadership
9. Goal Setting
10. Record Keeping

This Handbook was written a few decades ago, in the era of the emerging HD floppy drive, shortly before internet service providers brought us email, and long before we were answering our cell phones. Alterations were made to incorporate current technological capabilities and immediate societal realities that were then inconsequential. Several contributors were instrumental in providing for its production and much time and effort went into preparing it for publication and use.

Because the Holy Ghost provided the inspiration for the writers to express what the Lord was leading them to say, it was decided at this juncture that the original language, phraseology, and basic format of the original draft would be retained as much as possible and edited, revised, or otherwise updated only when absolutely necessary.

Some may feel that certain expressions could have been said differently or "better" and others may hold that the content is more or less systematic and comprehensive than necessary. What is really intended here is to provide a sort of template - a flexible outline and body of instruction and inspiration that may be abridged, expanded, modified, adapted, or used "as is" to build and implement your own CARE ministry.