Pastoral Ministry Vision

Pastoral Ministry at Trinity

It is with great pleasure and humility I have accepted to be Lead for the Pastoral Ministry at Trinity.  Over the years I have been struggling with the notion of how to use the gift I have been given in a specific area in the life of the church.  This did not manifest itself until I had a meeting with David over five months ago and during our discussion I had a light bulb experience.    I have had no previous experience or knowledge in developing  such significant and essential work so I am depending on the guidance from the Lord and support from the church.   My initiation was at the Board Meeting two months ago when I was asked to prepare a Vision Paper for the meeting as to how I envisaged the Pastoral Ministry at Trinity developing and growing.   I envisage Pastoral Ministry an integral part of the life at Trinity or any church. It accommodates the collaboration of dedicated people within the church responding to the physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological needs of our local community.   It is looking at a holistic approach in meeting individual needs.

Let me outline my thinking so far….

Responsibility of the team

• The responsibility of the Pastoral Team is to work together with the other ministries  by having an integrated approach  to encourage insiders out and outsiders in so every one feels included and has a sense of belonging  to the whole group(the church family)
• To be a channel of communication linking members & non members of what is happening in the church
• To provide support and encouragement in times of need or be able to sign post individuals where appropriate support will be given.
• To utilise the expertise and resources of the wider church
• Play their part in assisting others to grow in their faith and discipleship through listening, encouraging and offering a hand of friendship.
• Discussing concerns and offering support as necessary.
• To be responsive to our diverse congregation.

Role of the Team

1. Reaching out to those in need and offering a hand of friendship , expressing love and care  to those  in need through home and hospital visiting,  Coffee mornings, telephone contacts, or email if appropriate giving any new information to the Pastoral Minister after visiting.
2. To ensure relevant information is given / sent to those who are visited.
3. Supply any information to the Pastoral Minister for the weekly news letter or magazine
4. Welcoming new visitors and giving relevant information.
5. Scan the Visitors book at the end of a service for visitors who may have moved into the local community.
6. Bereavement Visiting
7. To be aware & refer on to our Debt counselling services.
8. Review weekly our Book of Condolences. Contact the family if appropriate.
9. Identify their own boundaries.

Pastoral Minister’s Role

• Lead, co-ordinate and support the team through regular meetings.
• Set up a  system for visiting
• To support and be available to individual members of the team outside of our meetings
• Be a channel of communication between the team and the Church Board.
• Co-ordinate communication between the Minister, Church Office and Pastoral team.
• Respond to training needs where necessary.
• Work with the team and other ministries to develop a Directory of Services to advise people.
• Ensure services are not duplicated within our limited resources.

My role as Pastoral Minister is in its conception and while we grow and develop we will be reflecting, reviewing and making changes where necessary to improve Pastoral Ministry at Trinity. We cannot move forward without the support of the other ministries as there is an overlap in the services we provide.   Please come and see me if you are interested in Pastoral Ministry at Trinity - you will be most welcome.                                                   

Oma Ramroop