What is Congregational
Care Ministry?
There are three groups of people who can provide care for church
members as we focus on building a congregational care ministry.
The Church Members
The Bible does not say that only pastors can take care of people. The church – the body of Christ – a body, a family of brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage and support one another to live and love like Jesus. This is one part of cultivating a healthy church culture.
In the New Testament, dozens of verses emphasize this point for example: “Bear with one another and… forgiving each other” (Col 3:13), “Love one another” (John 13:34), “Serve one another” (Gal 5:13) and “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” (James 5:16).
Church Leadership
A group of leaders will oversee the care of church members to ensure everyone is taken care of. The care team that comprises of church leaders will serve the children, the youth, the young adults, professionals, and families.
Small Groups
The Bible does not say that only pastors can take care of people. The church – the body of Christ – a body, a family of brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage and support one another to live and love like Jesus. This is one part of cultivating a healthy church culture. In many ways, a small group that meets regularly is arguably one of the best ways to place every church member in a position to love “one another.” After spending time together throughout the week through sharing meals and discussing life and faith, it’s natural to anticipate the formation of personal and meaningful relationships.
Depending on the situation, every small group can care for individual members within the group. Or, if the situation requires additional help (counselling, financial support, etc.), then every small group leader can share this with church leadership.
The Care We Provide
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Emergency Care
Emergencies are entirely unplanned situations. From accidents to the sudden death of a church member, these are things we cannot plan for in advance. We identify “common” emergency situations and create a general follow-up process. Here are some ideas for emergency care plan: phone calls, handwritten notes, flowers, food prayer, church announcement and everyday support.
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Support and Encouragement Care
Support and encouragement care are provided within the church. This includes visiting shut-ins, providing financial help, counselling, weddings, prayer, or births. Providing food is a practical way to support and encourage church members. For people in emergency situations or for those experiencing illness or for those welcoming a new baby, this ministry is a tremendous blessing.
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Relational and Recreational Care
We facilitate various gathering events such as: sports day, picnic and BBQs together, hiking and camping on summer holiday, Iron & Ruby Night, “Christmas Under One Roof” and intergenerational events.
What makes us different?
Side by Side
The life of mutual love and care for one another is carried out by the whole congregation. We need other people, but we are also needed by others. We live side by side, walking with others in wisdom and love.
Intergenerational
Love, care and help for one another transcend age and gender boundaries. There is a beautiful and constructive interaction between different generations.
Various situations
Caring for each person in different life situations, through relational and recreational care, support and encouragement care, and emergency care.