Biblically-Based Training Equips Pastors with Tools to Effectively Minister to those Impacted by Cancer

Contact: Elaine Matthews, Infinity Concepts, 724-733-1200 ext 22, elaine@infinityconcepts.net 

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Dec. 4, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Cancer Treatment Centers of America®(CTCA) sponsored the first Our Journey of Hope®(OJOH) Cancer Care Leadership Training seminar on Nov. 14-15 at CTCA Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla. Our Journey of Hope, sponsored by the CTCA Department of Pastoral Care is a biblically-based, comprehensive cancer care ministry training program designed to equip pastors and church leaders with tools to effectively minister to those impacted by cancer.

During the two-day training session, pastors and church leaders from the region immersed themselves in the spiritual and practical methods of bringing hope, care and comfort through cancer care ministry. Participants received ministry insights for addressing the specific spiritual needs of those battling cancer.

"Cancer is a unique disease that has a profound spiritual and emotional impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones," said Rev. Michael Langham, Director of Pastoral Care at CTCA in Tulsa. "Every leader who attended this Cancer Care Leadership Training represents the potential to minister to thousands who have been impacted by this disease."

Rev. Chip Gordon, Director of Pastoral Care at CTCA in Atlanta, said, "The Pastoral Care Team recognizes the importance of the spiritual side of cancer treatment and wants to provide resources to the Christian community to minister to those affected by cancer. Many churches have not received training on how to provide hope and care to those battling cancer."

Nine additional OJOH Cancer Care Leadership Training sessions are scheduled at each of the five CTCA hospitals located throughout the United States.

For more information regarding Our Journey of Hope please visit www.ourjourneyofhope.com. 

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Inc. (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals focusing on complex and advanced stage cancer. CTCA offers a comprehensive, fully-integrated approach to cancer treatment and serves patients from all 50 states at facilities located in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa. Known for delivering the Mother Standard® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine®, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. To learn more about CTCA, visit www.cancercenter.com/faith.

For more information contact:
Elaine Matthews, Infinity Concepts
elaine@infinityconcepts.net
724-733-1200 x22