Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is the shared ministry of the church in which laypeople and clergy offer presence, prayer, and compassionate support to others, especially in times of need or transition. Rooted in Wesley’s call to “watch over one another in love,” it extends Christ’s care through relationships, listening, and spiritual encouragement. At its heart, pastoral care ensures that no one within the community of faith faces life alone. It challenges all who follow Jesus to become “story companions,” listening deeply to every life in light of God’s larger story of love. Caring ministry helps us discern how God is present and at work in every story of affliction and trauma, healing and repair.

Pastoral Care

• Booklet: Discipleship as Care
• Booklet: Discipleship Through Respite Care by Dr. John Bell and Bishop Lawson Bryan
• Small-group study: Exploring a Culture of Care by Joy Dister-Dominguez

Caregiving

• Dementia Care
  • Article: Ministering With Families Facing Dementia
  • Resource: Alter Dementia Is Creating Dementia-Friendly Congregations
  • Webinar Recording: Respite Ministry for Caregivers
  • See more Dementia Care Resources in Age-Specific Ministries, Older Adult Ministries

Caring Ministry

• See Older Adult Ministries section for caring ministries with older populations
• See Small Groups/Faith Formation, for ways to build congregational systems of support through small groups
• Article: Small Groups Are in Our Wesleyan DNA
• Article: A Prayer You Can Replay: Extending Care through Voicemail, Lewis Center for Church Leadership
• Article: 10 Ways to Care for the Emotional Health of the Congregation During Pastoral Transition, Lewis Center for Church Leadership
• Article: Pastoral Care Tips: Avoid Overlooking People in Need, ResourceUMC