Pastoral Care

While the Bible does not explicitly define the role of a Pastor, it does depict the Pastor as a shepherd caring for his flock. Shepherding involves protecting, tending to and caring for needs, feeding, restoring, comforting, and guiding. We then view this as our role to the congregation and hope to lead by example, guiding and encouraging our flock in their pursuit of holiness.

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Clergy are available to provide pastoral care during times of crises, sorrow, loss, loneliness, spiritual struggles, or other situations which may be benefited by counsel. Immediate attention, in some form, can frequently be provided in response to serious matters. However, in less urgent situations, we encourage appointments made in advance, so as to allow both you and the priest to prepare prayerfully.

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Appointments may be requested by calling the church office and can occur at the office, or in the home should you or your family member be unable to come to the church. You may also request visitation in a healthcare facility.

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The Book of Common Prayer affirms all members of the church as ministers capable of providing pastoral care. However, our clergy have been specifically charged with this responsibility and trained for a specialized ministry of care. Our clergy are prepared to recognize when the assistance of other services may be required.

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Some spiritual questions and struggles may require more consistent pastoral companionship. In these instances, a short-term relationship (2-6 months) of spiritual direction may be discerned as recommendable. Such direction is available, as well as referrals for long-term direction.

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)