Pastoral Care
"See how these Christians love one another" was a comment on the Early Church by a Non-Christian commentator. We want to be known by our love. St Andrew's seeks to offer Christ-centred care to all, with prayer and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit and also with practical support.
Some particular ways in which we offer pastoral care are through:
The Eldership
We aim to ensure that we cover everyone in the fellowship through prayer and personal contact and that we are able to respond to needs as they arise. All church members and regular attendees are assigned to the care of a specific Elder. Each Elder will pray for those on their lists and keep in contact with them, visiting when particular needs arise. The Assistant Pastor has specific responsibility for pastoral care for the young adults, and the Family and Children’s Worker oversees the pastoral care of children and families who join in group activities.
Life Groups
We encourage as many people as possible to join one of the Life Groups. In addition to Bible studies and fellowship, these groups provide pastoral support to those who attend and also encourage members of the group in their ministry to others. The Life Group leaders meet monthly for mutual pastoral support and to pray for specific needs within their groups.
Pastoral Care Team
This is a team of people with a particular ministry for caring for others. Where there is a specific need, they organise support and assistance as appropriate. They also keep in contact with older people who are house-bound or in a care home.
We also have prayer ministry on offer at our services and a prayer chain that we can ask the church to pray quickly for any urgent prayer needs.
