Pastoral Care
We recognise that great pastoral care is a hallmark of a great church and we want to develop the highest quality of pastoral care that we can.
We can define pastoral care as
The provision of spiritual, emotional, physical and practical support, irrespective of decisions taken by those for who we are caring.
Pastoral care does not therefore involve judgement, it's primary role is one of support. If an individual takes a decision with which we do not agree, we do not stop caring for them.
This pastoral care network of the church extends to the church, the community and the work place. Initially we are seeking to work out how to make pastoral care within the family of the church work best.
Our goal is that no one is missed and that everyone receives an appropriate level of care.
No one should be left without a person to whom they can turn in times of pastoral need.
We can define pastoral care as
The provision of spiritual, emotional, physical and practical support, irrespective of decisions taken by those for who we are caring.
Pastoral care does not therefore involve judgement, it's primary role is one of support. If an individual takes a decision with which we do not agree, we do not stop caring for them.
This pastoral care network of the church extends to the church, the community and the work place. Initially we are seeking to work out how to make pastoral care within the family of the church work best.
Our goal is that no one is missed and that everyone receives an appropriate level of care.
No one should be left without a person to whom they can turn in times of pastoral need.
The Pastoral Care Network at Lancaster Baptist Church
As part of our care for one another we operate a pastoral care network. This network is coordinated by the Pastoral Care Ministry Leader and includes a team of people who share in pastoral care. The idea is that everyone who is part of our church and wider church family is connected to the pastoral care network or a pastoral carer.
The overall team is under the care of the minister, who meets regularly with the Pastoral Care Coordinators.
As part of our care for one another we operate a pastoral care network. This network is coordinated by the Pastoral Care Ministry Leader and includes a team of people who share in pastoral care. The idea is that everyone who is part of our church and wider church family is connected to the pastoral care network or a pastoral carer.
The overall team is under the care of the minister, who meets regularly with the Pastoral Care Coordinators.
Where a person is a member of a Connect group the pastoral care will usually operate through that Connect group, either by the leaders or by others who take on pastoral care duties within the group.
Where a person is not a member of a Connect group, they will informally be linked to a house group as a first point of contact. This typically takes the form of recognising when a person is absent from church and taking responsibly for following up absence and informing the pastoral care coordinators of any needs or concerns.
Where a person is not a member of a Connect group, they will informally be linked to a house group as a first point of contact. This typically takes the form of recognising when a person is absent from church and taking responsibly for following up absence and informing the pastoral care coordinators of any needs or concerns.
We are well aware of the fact that the pastoral care network is only part of the caring that goes on within the church family and that a lot of informal care and help is given outside the network. That is not seen in any way as a problem, as all caring relationships simply serve to enrich relationships and to show Christ's love in different ways.
Our pastoral care network does not prevent the minister or the core leadership team from being involved in pastoral care themselves. The network serves to supplement their work and do what they are not able to do. If anyone at any time wants to talk to, meet, or have help from the minister or anyone in the leadership team, then all they have to do is ask. Similarly the minister and leadership team will be glad to receive information about people who are ill, in hospital or otherwise in need of help, encouragement or a visit.
Our pastoral care network does not prevent the minister or the core leadership team from being involved in pastoral care themselves. The network serves to supplement their work and do what they are not able to do. If anyone at any time wants to talk to, meet, or have help from the minister or anyone in the leadership team, then all they have to do is ask. Similarly the minister and leadership team will be glad to receive information about people who are ill, in hospital or otherwise in need of help, encouragement or a visit.