Pastoral Care and Rites of Passage

In my congregational experience, I've found that the most meaningful pastoral care happens continuously within organic relationships in the church.

The first critical success factor is creating an environment where people are willing to enter into trusting relationships such that they share what's happening in their lives. Relationship development and communications are for me core competencies. The second very practical success factor is in systematically creating the spaces and interactions that invite a deeper level of communication and trust.

I seek to cultivate a culture where people are empowered to ask for help when they need it. I focus on invitation, presence, and availability.

Critically, another kind of pastoral care happens amidst crisis. I have significant experience in pastoring in times of crisis and loss and comfortable and versatile in playing the many different roles that can be demanded of a minister in those situations.

At our best, we can be a journey companion, a listening ear, a source of counsel and truth-telling, a connector to resources, and a pastoral friend for one another. The minister's job is to model that and lead people into that ministry together.

Rites of Passage give us moments to crystalize this care and this journeying together. Birth, Coming of Age, Bridging to Adulthood, Marriage, Death. When we are successful we build a church for a lifetime and beyond.