1. Different levels of care 2. The Kirk Session’s responsibility 3. In the congregation 4. In small groups 5. By pastoral care teams 6. By Elders 7. By the Minister 8. Outside help

SMALL GROUP ELDER Pastoral care team (if needed) MINISTER Person being cared for CONGREGATION

The Kirk Session:  has overall responsibility to make sure good pastoral care takes place  approves the model for pastoral care and anyone appointed to deliver pastoral care, e.g., pastoral care team members Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them (1 Peter 5:2 NIV)

Person being cared for

CONGREGATION

The congregation:  cares for each other often through informal connections  cannot be expected to care for everyone unless the congregation is very small  offers a simple level of care Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8 NIV)

MINISTER Person being cared for CONGREGATION

The Minister:  is expected to care for everyone!  but must focus on those who need particular care in order not to be overstretched  should teach the congregation about caring for each other The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV)

ELDER MINISTER Person being cared for CONGREGATION

Elders:  care for those in their districts  are aware of who needs extra care from the Minister or pastoral care team  encourage people to be in small groups (If Elders do not have districts they should be involved in small groups, pastoral care team or some other aspect of congregational life) Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.(Acts 20:28 NIV)

SMALL GROUP ELDER MINISTER Person being cared for CONGREGATION

Small Groups (PW, Bible study, etc.):  care for each other through developing relationships because of regular meetings  care is more consistent but at a fairly simple level, e.g., praying for each other or offering support Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

SMALL GROUP ELDER Pastoral care team (if needed) MINISTER Person being cared for CONGREGATION

Pastoral care team:  provides regular care for those with a particular need, e.g., bereavement  care is provided by visiting and practical help, e.g., making a meal  needs to be well-coordinated to connect with those in special need …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. (2 Corinthians 2:3-4 NIV)

SMALL GROUP ELDER Pastoral care team (if needed) MINISTER Person being cared for CONGREGATION

Outside help (e.g., PCI counselling service):  for those with issues that beyond the expertise of the elders, pastoral care team or minister, e.g., alcoholism or other addictions, depression, etc.  normally contacted by the Minister or other designated person in the pastoral care team  should normally be Christian help! But others can help too, e.g., medical help from GP Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:25 NIV)

Good care relies on:  People using their particular gifts  Everyone being well connected through groups and/or their Elder  Effective communication between Elders, small group leaders, Minister and pastoral care teams (a pastoral care coordinator or coordinating group can help)  Everyone in the congregation knowing how to request pastoral care  Everyone knowing and putting into practice the biblical expectation to care for each other