Hello,

Pastoral care is a core ministry provided by every congregation through its pastor, elders, deacons, and every member. Many pastors have areas of specialization and, depending on the life cycle of a particular congregation, each church's perception of its need for such care varies. Most everyone connected to a church asks for such care from time to time. As a pastor in North Philadelphia, I was not only the pastor of the particular church I served, but was considered the community's pastor, too. I was called upon to be present with people in stressful times. Whether members of the church or of the community the church is in, or even a stranger to either, offering and giving pastoral care is a gift of hospitality and grace in a time of need.

Ordinarily, pastoral care is provided by the pastor, whether called, stated, or interim. In Newark Presbytery, eleven (11) of our churches have no pastoral leadership. That's 27% of our congregations representing more than 11% of our presbytery membership. The Committee on Ministry is responsible to see that each congregation fulfills its own pastoral care needs as it appoints Moderators for churches without pastors and provides our congregations with access to ministerial services.

I recognize that a few of our congregations without pastors are awaiting an interim pastor, but most remain challenged to secure capable and affordable pastoral care. Some of our churches have benefited from a pool of capable individuals gathered together as the Collaborative Ministry Team who not only provide pulpit supply but additionally can be contracted to provide limited pastoral care, as well.

If you are an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament and would be willing to assist a congregation with emergency pastoral services when they are without a pastor, I’d like to hear from you. The situations I have in mind are where a pastor has left but an interim or Stated Supply has not yet arrived. The services needed might include serving Holy Communion on Sunday mornings or to the sick and shut-in as needed, offering bereavement care, visiting in hospice or in hospital for critically ill patients. If you would be willing to be part of such a network of ministers on whom we can call, please let me know and I will appraise the Committee on Ministry.

Every church is a Service Station of the Good News of Jesus Christ in its community, and as its congregation is sent into the world, everywhere they are. Receiving pastoral care, especially in emergency situations, is a special way to tangibly experience God's ever-present love.

Gratefully,

Kevin