Pastoral

A healthy Christian community is one in which people know that they are loved, visitors are welcomed, hospitality is offered with young and old alike being valued and feeling safe. The care that we offer one another, both at times of crisis and in everyday life is an active proclamation of God's love in Christ within us and for all the world.

The Methodist Church has at its core a tradition of pastoral care that is both spiritual and physical. As an expression of our Christian faith we look after one another, ensuring that our meetings are safe places, in which we can all grow in our faith. John Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist Movement, believed very strongly that contemporary Christianity must reflect the early church that we read of in the Acts of the Apostles, a close community, caring for one another, bearing each others burdens and holding each other in accountability and prayer. As such, our churches have a well developed method of pastoral care that involves the caring of a group of individuals by a Pastoral Friend, one who is commissioned by the church to undertake such a role.

If you would like to learn more about being a Pastoral Friend or have any questions about our pastoral care please talk with your minister.