Care Team Member
What is the Care Team?
Our church family seeks to Grow in Jesus’ love, Show Jesus’ love and Share Jesus’ love.
The Pastoral Care Team is a key aspect of ensuring we Show Jesus’ love in the way our church family cares for each other and supports each other, especially in times of crisis and challenge.
Our Growth Groups are an important way of fostering “care for all”. Being a group of people that meet and encourage each other regularly, they are places where relationships lead to opportunities to care for and encourage each other.
However, there are times when “care for some” becomes particularly important. At times of crisis and practical need, some members of our family will need extra and even extraordinary care and support.
The Care Team exists to be aware of these needs and whether they are being met by the church family. At times, the Care Team will also be a part of meeting those needs.
Availability and Time Commitment
The time spent by members of the Care Team in this ministry will vary. Some will choose to spend significant time visiting and supporting others, while other members of the team are not in a position to offer time, but are committed to being aware of the needs in our church, praying for others and calling them from time to time.
All members of the group commit to meeting about once a month for an hour to touch base with other members, share needs they are aware of and how members of the church are seeking to meet those needs, and pray for those individuals.
Finally, we are available to each other. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the needs of others, please call another team member or Russell and discuss what you need to do to better cope with the situation you find yourself in.
Character of Team Members
Demonstrate a clear commitment to the values and teachings of Shore Hope.
Displays empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others.
Exhibits excellent listening skills and maintains confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
Displays emotional maturity and the ability to handle challenging situations with grace and sensitivity.
Maintains a non-judgmental and inclusive attitude, respecting the diversity and uniqueness of individuals.
Practices self-care and seeks personal and spiritual growth.
Responsibilities:
Foster a Caring Community:
Regularly engage with members of the congregation to understand their needs, joys, and struggles.
Encourage and facilitate meaningful connections and relationships among church members.
Promote a culture of mutual care and accountability within the church community.
Provide Pastoral Support
Actively listen to individuals' concerns, challenges, and celebrations.
Offer empathetic support, comfort, and encouragement to those in need.
Provide prayer, scripture readings, and spiritual guidance to individuals seeking pastoral care.
Connect individuals with appropriate resources and services both within and outside the church when necessary.
Coordinate Care
Collaborate with other members of the pastoral care team to ensure a comprehensive approach to care within the church.
Keep track of pastoral care needs and concerns within the congregation, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Coordinate and schedule visits, calls, or meetings with individuals who require additional support.
Identify and reach out to individuals who may be isolated, lonely, or experiencing life transitions.
Liaise with the Minister
Recognize and refer significant pastoral issues that require the attention of the minister.
Communicate any urgent or crisis situations promptly to the minister or appropriate authorities.
Understand the limitations of personal skills and know when to seek professional help for individuals in need.
Collaborate with the minister to ensure cohesive pastoral care efforts throughout the church.
Issues to Refer to the Minister:
Significant pastoral crises, such as severe mental health concerns, abuse, or imminent danger to an individual or others.
Complex theological or spiritual questions that require specialized guidance.
Situations where legal or ethical issues may be involved, such as cases of suspected abuse or potential harm.
Referrals to external professional services, such as counsellors or therapists, for specialized care.
Any other situations where the minister's expertise or intervention is necessary or requested.
Attachment - Caring for those in Need
The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18). He gave us this wonderful commandment: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35). An important part of fulfilling this command is that we care for one another.
Christian care for someone in need is a great privilege, but also brings great responsibilities. Every Christian is called to fulfil this, but we are all different and God has given to the church different gifts (Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31) so that we can effectively minister to one another. Our love and care for one another will be expressed in many ways as we offer our different gifts, skills and abilities in the service of the Lord. Those involved in caring for the needy should:
Have a sense of compassion for those in need
The example of Jesus: When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14
Be aware that when you speak and visit with someone you are representing the Lord Jesus Christ. Many organisations are involved in the care of people, but they do not represent Christ.
Always offer to pray with and for the person you are visiting. This is part of our life in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pass on the date of your visit and, with permission from the person concerned, any extra needs to the pastoral care team leaders. If there is an emergency or you feel out of your depth, please notify the minister as soon as possible.
Visit someone of the same gender. If that is not possible, someone of the same gender as the person you are visiting should accompany you. The only exception may be a hospital visit.
Be aware of the need for confidentiality. Unless the person in need gives you permission to tell others, everything they say is in confidence. This may at times be frustrating, as you may believe that others should be told, but part of our care is maintaining their trust and confidence.
Remember, you are part of our church and you visit/care for people as a representative of the church and an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ even when caring for a friend.
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 25:44-45 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
James 2:14-16 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?