Called to serve God by increasing awareness of His presence and declaring His love

Pastoral Care

pastoral-group

Within the life of the Church the role of the Pastoral Visitor is one of the most significant. Its importance has several facets, because the visitor is part of the structure of the Church which enables members and adherents to sense that they belong to a Christian community. Hence, part of the responsibility is to be a channel of communication, linking people together and keeping them in touch with what is happening in the life of the Church.

The Pastoral Visitor is also significant in providing pastoral care to one or more individuals (their pastoral group), by demonstrating an interest in their lives and providing support and encouragement at particular times of need. As a member of a wider team, visitors can offer not just their own time, skills and resources, but those of the Church as a body. The visitor also has a role to play in assisting others to grow in their faith and discipleship, through listening to their experiences, discussing concerns and providing encouragement.

Our Pastoral Secretary, Helen Weighell, is the first line of support for the Pastoral Visitors, the person from whom they can request assistance and to whom they can report any changes in the circumstances of the members of their pastoral group. However, the Minister, Rev Andrew Robinson, is also available to assist visitors.

The Minister and the Pastoral Secretary together form the Church’s Pastoral Committee, which is responsible to the Church Council for the provision of pastoral care within Stokesley Methodist Church. The committee’s role is to organize the members and adherents into pastoral groups and allocate visitors, provide appropriate support and training for all those involved in pastoral care and develop strategies for the work.

If you would like to be a visitor or be visited by one of our Pastoral Visitors, please contact Helen Weighell at Church or via our website ‘Contact Us’ page