Pastoral Care Ministry
Purpose of the Ministry
The ultimate purpose, heart, passion, and goal of the Pastoral Care Team (PCT) is found in Ephesians 4:11-16:
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
The PCT is people caring for people with the hope and intent of producing maturity in the body of Christ so that we all become free to be a mature caring people who are not afraid to speak the truth in love.
What is Care?
This care is enacted in various manners -
Practical:
Meals for those who have had an upset in their lives,
Visiting those in hospital,
Cutting firewood and cleaning stables for those who are temporarily unable to,
Nurturing others in their gifts of helps,
... and so on.
Spiritual:
Regular prayers,
Encouragement,
Grieving with those who grieve,
Nurturing others in their spiritual gifts,
... and so on.
Those on the PCT are expected to have a certain level of maturity in the Christian life and are nominated by the church body. The PCT meets approximately every 6-8 weeks for encouragement, prayers, and teaching.
The Pastoral Care Team at Zurich Mennonite Church:
(those highlighted can be reached via email)
Ryan Lloyd
Bob and Dorothy Dietrich
Dianne Loerchner - Leader of Pastoral Care