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Foundation
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
This verse represents the Heart of Christ in several ways. First it is inviting and welcoming. Second it offers comfort
and rest –healing. But it also calls for growth and transformation when
Christ says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” This is the essence of effective pastoral care – inviting, comforting and inspiring
growth in Christ. This policy will be a departure in that it will no longer be
“just come see the pastor”. It will integrate the gifts of the pastor,
elders, and congregation as well as all other elements of church life (worship, fellowship, organization) towards optimal
Spiritual health.
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Vision
Acting as the Heart of Christ, the Spiritual Life of the congregation will be cared for, comforted, healed, and
matured.
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Goals
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To foster an atmosphere of Spiritual Health in the congregation
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To provide high-quality pastoral counseling and care to members
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To provide a network of trusted professionals to whom members can be referred
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Tools
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Minister – Act as the main provider
and coordinator of pastoral care. The minister will make decisions in consultation
with members regarding referrals. The minister will offer “goal-oriented”
counseling in two types – traditional counseling in which the minister will meet with a person for three-four times
and will either conclude the counseling or will refer the person to a professional.
The second type is a longer-term coaching style counseling that will also have stated goals that will be frequently
evaluated.
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Elders and Deacons – As per the
Book of Church Order, elders, and deacons are also responsible for the Spiritual life of the congregation.
Each elder and deacon is a pastoral care provider in diverse ways.
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Parishes – The elders will assign
a certain number of members to each elder to form “parishes” for general Spiritual care (quarterly calls.)
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Congregation – Plays a role in
prayer and support of members with immediate needs, and works to be aware of its Spiritual health.
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Prayer Chain – Assists in caring for members with immediate needs.
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Training – Continuing Education
for minister; workshops for elders, deacons and congregation – general and topical (i.e. depression)
- Caregiver Network - Christian Counselors, secular counselors, and other resources and professionals such as
Rev. Jim DeVries at HMC, which the minister has already screened and interviewed.
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Evaluation
Spiritual Health Definition – The level of awareness of the grace of God in
Jesus Christ which calls Christians to love God with all their heart and soul and to love their neighbor as themselves and
includes growth and development in faith, forgiveness, prayer, community, and ministry as informed by worship, use of Spiritual
gifts, participation in church, and Scripture study.
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