In response to Our Calling, Methodist people are to help others to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care. Who Cares? is a series of four 2-hour sessions that introduces participants to the possibilities of pastoral care – creating appropriate environments and developing practices that welcome, support and care for others in their role. It draws on insights and underpinning knowledge in the areas below:
Session 1: Introducing Pastoral Care (8/10)
Session 2: Welcome and Hospitality in Pastoral Care (15/10)
Session 3: Listening and Prayer in Pastoral Practice (22/10)
Session 4: Care in Difficult Times and Self-care in Pastoral Practice (29/10)
All sessions will run from 7-9pm.
The sessions will set churches and Methodist communities on a sound footing to envision and enable a culture of care in their context.
Sessions 1 and 2 particularly consider welcome, hospitality and discipleship in the context of pastoral care and reflect on the pastoral nature of these in our church communities, recognising our shared responsibility and gifts for pastoral care.
Session 3 will help participants to develop listening and communication skills, particularly using language and prayer appropriately and sensitively in pastoral situations.
Session 4 introduces participants to the impact of trauma, transition and loss on individuals, families and groups and helps them understand appropriate boundaries and balance, including self-care, in pastoral ministry, and highlights the importance of reflective practice.
