Pastoral Care – Supporting You
Throughout the Bible, we discover a message of hope, a hebrew concept of Shalom (wholeness, healing, peace) that God longs to bring to his people. Jesus himself claimed that the Spirit had been given him to “proclaim to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).
We instinctively know that the best support we can receive is through a group of close friends. That is why in a church our size, small groups are so important. This is where pastoral care primarily takes place: people sharing lives, knowing when each one is going through a rough time, or simply rejoicing over the good times. Having fun, or sharing the load! If you are not yet part of a small group within the church, perhaps this is something you could consider. Have a word with Ian Burnham, our Director for Small Groups.
But on top of that, we have a team of pastoral assistants who have a caring and befriending role within the
church. They visit newcomers, those who are ill, especially supporting those with longer term illnesses, as well as visiting the elderly and those who can no longer get out.
Their remit also includes supporting those going through a crisis such as bereavement and sometimes
practical help: meals, transport to hospital, etc… One or more pastoral assistants cover an area of Andover, and of course, our ministers are available to provide help, support, prayer and visits, when required.
Led by Marina Caddy, the team are a real asset to the church. For more information, please contact the church office.
Small groups are an essential part to life at ABC. This is where we learn to walk in our faith together, to share our lives, and to care for each other, as well as reaching out with God’s love.
But we recognise that sometimes there are moments in life when we need an extra helping hand: someone to cook us a meal, a visit when we’re hospital, help when we’re struggling or recently bereaved. We all need each other.
At Andover Baptist Church, we have a sensitive and loving pastoral care team, headed up by Marina Caddy. So if you know of someone who might just been in need of a card, a visit, a meal or just an encouraging word, please do get in touch with us!
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