Refining our Approach
As the Word of God settles into our hearts and minds, we begin to see people differently. Our perspective shifts, not only toward those who share our faith but also toward those who do not. This includes agency workers and the families they support within the foster care system. Living out our faith requires action, especially in the way we engage with those around us. Whether through our conversations or our service, our deeds speak volumes. As a ministry dedicated to following Jesus, we face unique challenges and opportunities when partnering with foster care agencies. Our approach must be rooted in gentleness, conviction, and curiosity as we seek to share the hope of Christ. Together, let’s explore how we can refine our approach to love well.
The Complex Role of an Agency Worker
Before diving into how we can engage foster care agencies, it’s important to understand the weight of the responsibility they carry. These workers often make decisions that impact children and families in deeply emotional ways. They work long hours, face secondary trauma, and are sometimes viewed with distrust by the very families they are trying to help.
If you seek power, prestige, and wealth, this is not a vocation for you. The task of an agency worker is demanding, with little material reward. It’s a calling to serve in the midst of brokenness.
Consider the story of Liu He, a ruler from ancient China. Though born into royalty, his reign lasted only 27 days due to his self-centered and reckless decisions. His downfall came quickly, and he spent his final years in isolation. Compare that to the life of Jesus. Jesus was not born into worldly power, and His reign on earth was humble, yet His legacy is eternal. He was 33 when He died, humiliated by human standards, but without sin, and with a much different legacy than Liu He. Jesus’ life was about serving, not self-glorification, and that’s the model we follow.
Engaging Agencies with Curiosity, Gentleness, and Conviction
In our current cultural climate, sharing the Gospel can be a challenge. We are witnessing the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history, where more people are leaving the church than ever before. How, then, do we bring the hope of Christ into our foster care ministries?
It begins with curiosity, gentleness, and conviction. These three traits work together to build bridges, not barriers. Curiosity opens doors by asking questions and seeking to understand the perspective of agency workers. Gentleness allows us to share our convictions without pushing people away, and conviction keeps us rooted in the truth of the Gospel.
When engaging agency workers, we must first listen—ask about their experiences and their thoughts on the work they do. This is where curiosity shines. Then, share how your faith informs your commitment to serving the foster care community. Speak gently, even when sharing bold convictions, and let your actions speak louder than your words.
In a world where many have already formed opinions about Jesus, our deeds can sometimes communicate the Gospel more effectively than our words. As James 2:18 says, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
By serving agency workers with humility, love, and respect, we reflect Christ.
Navigating Diverse Agency Cultures
As a community committed to foster care ministry, we share the same mission, but our approach may look different depending on the culture of the region we serve. Some agencies may welcome prayer and discussions about faith, while others may have strict policies against religious involvement. Regardless of the context, we trust that God is at work. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God makes “a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Even in challenging environments, we are called to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). This means we must be prudent and discerning, recognizing the complexities of working within the foster care system, while also being innocent and gentle in our approach.
The Gatekeepers of Truth
Both agency workers and foster care advocates play gatekeeping roles. Agency workers are responsible for the protection and well-being of children, and they are not obligated to work with the church. Historically, the name of God has been misused, causing harm. As advocates, we must ensure that the truth we share is accurate and edifying. For instance, well-meaning messages from churches can sometimes inadvertently paint foster parents as “saviors.” Instead, we must emphasize the true Savior and maintain a posture of humility in our work.
Our role is to affirm the dignity of every person created in the image of God. This includes agency workers, regardless of their beliefs or experiences. In the midst of secondary trauma and difficult decisions, they are beloved by God. 1 John 4:18 encourages us with these words: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Embodying Gentle Conviction and Humble Boldness
As we seek to refine our approach, let us embody gentle conviction, humble boldness, and curious confidence. Our deeds will speak louder than our words as we love and serve faithfully. Matthew 5 calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, illuminating the path for others to see the glory of God through our actions.
In closing, remember that you are not responsible for writing the entire story of an agency worker’s life—God is. You may plant a seed, but it is God who brings the harvest. Our task is to love well, trusting God to do the rest.
United in our purpose, we get to reflect the light of Christ in every interaction we have with those in the foster care community.
Liz Archambault
Liz’s foster care journey began before she was born as her mom was a social worker for fostering families at a child welfare agency. When she was 11, she decided she wanted to be a social worker too. She lives just south of Boston on the coast and is married to her best friend, Josh. Together, they are biological, adoptive, and foster parents. Liz joined the TFI family as an Advocate in 2017, and it is a joy for her to serve God by combining her love of the foster care community with her background in social work as a coach for TFI Advocates.
