Pastoral Care

7. How is pastoral care offered and structured?

How pastoral care is organised differs from one church to another. Some churches may have a dedicated pastoral care team, others may ask each elder to care for a small number of people or households.  Even if you are not directly involved in this way, as an elder you are inevitably involved in working with others and it is through these interactions  that you are able to offer appropriate care, support, and respect.

Whilst we are all called to offer pastoral care in some way or another, for some this area of work is a particular calling. You may feel you want to do extra training, or focus on one facet of caring within the church community. If this is the case then you should talk to your church leaders or synod about available options.  Perhaps other elders in your church or pastorate would welcome this too.