The Pastoral Care System exists to ensure people receive timely, compassionate care during moments of need, crisis, or major life transition. Its goal is to provide appropriate support without relying on personal proximity or informal relationships, so care is consistent and shared across the church.

Overview

Purpose: Ensure people receive care during moments of need, crisis, or transition.

This system answers:

• How do needs surface?
• Who owns care, and when does it escalate?
• How do we care consistently without burning out staff?

Failure mode if missing:

Care depends on who someone knows, not a shared system.

Key movement:

Need surfaced → Care provided → Appropriate follow-up

Primary Question:

How is this person being cared for well and appropriately in their moment of need?

Why It Matters

Consistent, shared care ensures people are supported during moments of need without depending on who they know.

Example Activities

• Care request submissions through forms, staff, or Community Guides
• Pastoral check‑ins during illness, loss, or crisis
• Prayer support and coordinated prayer teams
• Hospital, home, or crisis visits when appropriate
• Counseling referrals or partnerships with trusted professionals

Table of Contents

• Why
• Ministry Systems
• Application Framework
• Order of Health
• Implementing Ministry by Design