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Pastoral Ministry

We believe:

  • Our calling as a community is to care for the Body of Christ (the Church) which leads naturally onto support and care for those we encounter.
  • The mission of the Church is outreach and support to those we serve.
  • Outreach through providing a transformational experience of the love of God (grace).
  • Support through standing alongside those in need and, where possible and appropriate, easing that need.
  • That social interaction also provides pastoral support.
  • That clergy are to be freed up to be available for specialised pastoral care. Lay visiting is also central.

We offer:

  • Ongoing training, resourcing and supervision support to all involved in the Pastoral Ministry.
  • A community committed to ‘being there’ for those in need.
  • A program of visiting by clergy and lay people ensuring that those in deepest need in hospitals, nursing homes or seriously ill at home are visited once weekly. That long term residents of nursing homes, the elderly and housebound should be visited monthly, and that all parish households should be visited at least once a year.

We are committed over the next 5 years to:

  • Being a ‘visiting’ community, building relationships, setting foundations so that when need arises there is already a connection and awareness of the support and care that is available.
  • The clergy being central to the pastoral ministry, through visits, pastoral support and the Ministry of Healing (prayer and the laying on of hands).
  • Developing an accompanying lay pastoral ministry where neighbours and new friends can deepen personal connection and the relationship of parishioners to the parish.

And this is how:

  • As well as continuing our hospital and nursing home ministry, network teams will be developed. Small teams of people (3 – 4) who live within the same area will co-ordinate regular connection and support among others who live nearby.
  • Appropriate ministries will also be developed when needed, e.g. families with children with special needs may find it helpful to meet and support others in similar circumstances, through teams that have been formed sensitively and in line with the needs of individuals.
  • As mentioned in one of the focus days, we see young people being a potential resource for the pastoral ministry and therefore training and support will be developed to encourage all ages to take part in this ministry as appropriate.