Basic Concepts That Apply to all Pastoral Care Teams

According to the model developed by River Road Unitarian Church there are several concepts that are basic to Pastoral Care Teams regardless of the size or the background of the members of the Pastoral Care Team.

1. Their model is based on a team concept, meaning team supervision, team support and problem solving. The team meets twice a month to go over all the work being done and to discuss each new person being helped. Team members exchange ideas as to how to help the person in need and how to support each other. When the problems are complex or time consuming, two or three team members will work together.

2. Pastoral Care Teams should start with a Mission Statement. The Mission Statement defines what the team promises to do and its relationship with the church. The goals of the Pastoral Care Team should be based on several items: the size of the Pastoral Care Team in relation to the size of the church, the professional background or training of the members of the team, and the needs of the congregation. If the Team has no one who is professionally trained in the mental health or counseling area, the Team should not take on the responsibility of helping people who have emotional problems or family crises. Only someone trained or the minister will assume this responsibility.

The Team does not do counseling therapy or give advice. If necessary the Team may refer to an individual or group.

3. Based on the following criteria: Church, Team size, background and time availability of Team member, church needs, it is suggested that we select a few programs to begin. Start small and add later. Since we plan a Team in a small church with a part time minister, possibilities include: send cards for birthdays, anniversaries, illness, births, and deaths. Just doing a few programs well and consistently, will change the attitude of your church community. Also visit people in the hospital or care facility, establish a Medical Equipment Loan, or provide respite care or meals as needed. Names of “People in need of Service” from now on known as PINS should be handled in executive committee as well as any administrative work necessary. It is important to devise an administrative model or structure that can be bequeathed to succeeding team leaders.

4. Concerning matters of a sensitive nature, it is necessary for the Team to build trust and respect from the congregation. Strict confidentiality must be maintained. People who receive help need to feel secure that the only people who know about their problem are the minister and the Pastoral Care Team. Next month—Selection of a Team.

              - Barbara Kovach