Helping the Broken, Wounded, and Needy

It is one thing to say we need boundaries, but another to actually live within them. It has been brought to my attention that there is a need to establish some healthy boundaries as people begin to come to you as ministers of the Gospel with their issues and struggles.
Since you have a heart for people, you will long to be able to fix the brokenness of their lives. This, however, is a very delicate area. Most of us, honestly, lack the training or the experience to really succeed at bringing someone through such a trial as abuse or addiction (chemical or other). Though it is the Holy Spirit's job to change hearts, heal hurts, and free the captives, we can do great harm if we are not careful. Therefore, just as much as we need to establish boundaries for others (i.e. "don't call me on Fridays" or "I simply can't help you that day, try calling ____."), it is equally important for us to establish boundaries for ourselves.
There will come a time when someone who has come to you needs more than what you can offer. Always pray for them, but do not hesitate to refer them to a professional counselor or to a recovery facility or shelter if need be. Taking in a battered wife, for example, is not a good idea. This can put you and your family in harm's way and it opens the door for transference of feelings and/or temptation. Remember, the church is a body and each part plays a vital role in realizing victory in the lives of God's children. If you are unsure as to whether you ought to invest more of yourself in a hurting individual, a professional counselor or your pastor is a good resource to help offer direction.
Should someone share information regarding physical harm (to themselves by themselves or by others...or threatening others) we are obligated by law to involve the appropriate authorities. It is only fair to let someone know ahead of time of your obligation to report certain instances - especially if they ask you not to share what they are going to tell you with anyone. Again, as a deacon, it may be wise to involve the pastor or a professional counselor in such matters and go through the reporting process together.
We cannot live people's lives for them, and it is not always helping to just take the struggle away from them. Additionally, we only have as much authority in one's life as they give us so we cannot simply barge in and tell them how it's going to be from now on. Broken people must be handled delicately, with care, patience, and consistency.

With you in His service,
Michael