care

The shepherding approach assigns an elder or deacon to each member. These men are called “shepherds” and are the first point of contact for any need you may have. Each shepherd has a “flock,” and the shepherds seek to know the members of their flock and build strong relationships so they can provide better communication and care within the church.

In addition, we have a team of Women’s Shepherds who are non-ordained members of our care team*. They also have a flock and work with the elders and deacons to come alongside women in the church to encourage them, support them, help connect them with the church, and point them to good news of Jesus. Our Women’s Shepherding program is small and growing. Currently, not every woman is assigned to a Women’s Shepherd, however if you have a need, a Women’s Shepherd is available to assist you! Contact Elise Cole  for more information. 

All shepherds and Women’s Shepherds receive training in theology, crisis care, skilled listening, and peacemaking so that they can help shoulder the burden of life’s struggles. Their desire is to walk with our members, provide spiritual care and counsel, and connect you with other assistance as needed.  A Care Group may be provided in certain situations. This is a small group of people gathered to address longer-term needs. 

When should you contact your shepherd?

The church wants to celebrate with you, encourage you, and mourn with you for large and small events. Your shepherd can pray with you, set up a meal train or find other ways to meet physical needs, provide spiritual counsel, and more. You may contact your shepherd on any of these occasions:

• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a family member
• Short-term illness or surgery
• Family crisis

Click below to see a list of shepherds by parish. If you don’t know who your shepherd is, contact Liz Reid.

All of us experience the need for God’s mercy in our lives at some point. For some of us, that need will be physical or financial. One of the functions of our Diaconate is to administer physical mercy (Acts 6:1-7). We believe that such mercy should always be administered in the context of relationship. 

If you are a member or regular attender of our church and have such needs,* please contact your parish deacon or any of our deacons. If you don’t personally know a deacon just ask an usher on any Sunday and they can direct you to one.

*Such needs may include, but are not limited to food, clothing, housing, medical, financial assistance, counseling, etc.