Get Care Ministry Handbook

The purpose of Care Ministries is to ensure that all those within the congregation are cared for in the event of a physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual crisis in their life that would require additional care from the congregation or pastoral staff.

A Lay Pastoral Care Team is a group of people dedicated to supporting people with specific needs. At a time when our population is aging, caring for older adults is especially relevant. This is an ideal ministry for laity as they often have long-term relationships with older members.

Pastoral Care is the activity of the Holy Spirit in the church to continue the saving work of the Good Shepherd. Pastoral Care is: the extension of Jesus Christ's hospitality, the living out of his compassion, the building up of his community.

For example, “To connect people to God and one another” is a “doing” mission statement. It says that your congregation exists to do something specific. Second, you can answer from a perspective of “being”. For example, “To be a place where broken people can find healing in Jesus”.

As you build your handbook, you will want to incorporate these 5 sections: Purpose & Statement of Faith. General Policies. Procedures....Workers and Volunteers Applications, references, background checks. Paid staff. Approved volunteers and substitutes. Staff and volunteer training.

Care Ministry Mission Statement We are missionary disciples called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the healing work of Jesus. We do this by responding to the needs of others, by offering a sacred listening presence, making space for God's Love to be experienced.

The care ministry exists to provide love and support to people who are struggling with life's challenges. At one time or another we all need the help of others to see our way through a difficult time.

Pastoral care is an intervention that relies on good and quality relationships between the caregiver and the cared individual, if effective and positive outcomes are to be realised.