Pastoral care
The Bible affirms that all pastoral care derives from God, the one who “tends his flock like a shepherd … gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Isaiah 40:11). Although those in Christian leadership (pastors) bear a particular responsibility to nurture, protect and support those under their care, every Christian can reflect the character of God as they “encourage the fainthearted, help the weak,” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) and seek to lovingly attend to the needs of others.
By drawing upon the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can speak into all life contexts and provide grace and encouragement in trying times.
We believe that pastoral care is a necessary complement, but not a competitor, to the work of mental health professionals. Learn practical ways to better provide compassion and care to others.
Pastoral care topics
Pastoral care
The experience of care, being safe, free from fear and shame, is the precursor to deep knowledge and assurance in God.
Grief
Not only limited to feelings, grief is all the responses that we have to all of the losses that we experience in our life.
Disability
We have the opportunity to live out God’s love for the world by upholding the value and dignity of all people.
Listening
Listening goes beyond simply hearing what people say. It also involves paying attention to how they say it and what they do while they are saying it.
One to one pastoral care
Here are some resources that will help you in your ministry of 'care' as you meet with another to listen, to pray, to offer support and words of comfort and encouragement.
