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 I have been blessed to have served beside Bro. Don as an Associate Minister at Heartland Worship Center since 1978. For many years, one of my primary administrative responsibilities has been to oversee our pastoral care ministries.
Pastoral care has been defined by some as being “a ministry of compassion anchored in the grace and love of God.” I agree. I have attempted to deliver pastoral care modeled after our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, as I have sought to be used to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the body of believers and seekers.
If you or a loved one is ever in need of pastoral care, I invite you to contact me either through the church receptionist (534-1400) or my cell phone (210-8228). If I am unavailable, please leave a message with my administrative assistant, Rachel Shahan, or on my phone, and I will respond to your call as quickly as possible, or I will arrange for another pastor or deacon to call you in cases of emergency.
What is Pastoral Care
The term “pastoral” care is derived from Latin pastoralis, and may be interpreted to mean that one is engaged in the work of shepherds; that is, feeding and caring for one’s sheep.
Pastoral care brings to mind tranquil rural scenes, such as the “green pastures” and “still waters” mentioned in Psalm 23, wherein our Lord is affectionately described as the Good Shepherd.
 Thus, the goal of pastoral care at Heartland Worship Center is to guide, nurture, preserve, heal and restore the lives and souls of our members and friends in times of celebration, joy, triumph, trials, tragedy, tribulations and troubles.
To paraphrase Psalm 23, our pastoral mission may be accomplished by:
- leading one down the paths of God’s righteousness;
- walking with one through the valley of the shadow of sickness, disease and death;
- comforting one in the grips of heartache and despair;
- preparing a table before one who is destitute or financially challenged; or
- praying and working for God’s presence, pardon, purpose, passion, power, protection, provision and peace to be realized in one’s life.
Experiencing God’s Presence by Sharing His Great Love
In providing such pastoral care, we are simply responding to God’s great commandment that we love one another (John 15:17 and Romans 13:8-9); shepherd His sheep (John 21:16); and encourage and build up one another (I Thessalonians 5:11).
God has promised that “… if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. (I John 4:12).
Thus, if we truly want God’s presence and blessings in our lives, we must answer Cain’s feeble, guilt-ridden question, “Am I my brother’s keeper,” (Genesis 4:9) with a resounding “Yes.” . . . And when our Lord cries out “Whom shall I send, we must rise up and shout out with Isaiah, “Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).
In short, we are called on to be like Christ, to become good shepherds to those around us, and to become Christ’s ears, eyes, mouth, arms and legs, heart and soul.
Only then can we reasonably hope to hear the Lord say at the end of our earthly journey, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Every Christian Called to Pastoral Care
For this reason, many opportunities are available to all believers at Heartland Worship Center to engage their time, efforts and resources in pastoral care ministries, along with other valuable ministries provided by our church. While needs are ultimately met by God, we believe Christ intended for us to minister to one another in Christian love.
Some of the pastoral care ministries available for your participation at Heartland Worship Center include: intercessory prayer teams; tape ministry; Divorce Care; GriefShare; Senior Saints; East St. Louis Outreach; mission trips; meals for the bereaved, AWANA and youth ministries.
Some Matters Require a Pastor’s Care
However, there are matters that arise in the lives of our members and friends that demand the special attention, training, education, finesse and confidentiality of a pastor.
- Prayer
The most important thing we can do for someone in need or crisis, and we are privileged to offer this supplication to the Lord for His mercy and goodness
- Pastoral Counseling & Shepherding
After initial contact with me, some persons may be referred to one of our staff pastors, Rosa Kerley our Parish Nurse and Lay Health Director, or to various other professionals within our congregation, including social, financial, legal advisors. Such services may be provided to:
- People in spiritual crisis
- People facing major medical decisions
- People with job-related concerns
- People with legal concerns
- People who are planning to marry
- People who are struggling in their marriage, or who are separated or divorced
- People grieving a death or other serious loss
- People dealing with life transitions
- People dealing with abuse
- People facing problems related to addiction
- People who are terminally ill (and their families)
- People facing the special challenges of aging and elder care
- People experiencing birth or adoption
- People new to the community
- Visitation
- The sick, disabled, terminally ill, and dying who are homebound or receiving treatment or maintenance at hospitals, nursing homes, health care and hospice facilities and the homebound
- Providing home Communion
- Planning and Performing Funerals
- Comforting the bereaved
- Transportation Services
This ministry is designed to meet the needs of those who are no longer able to drive, and who do not have access to other transportation. When needed, transportation is provided by the pastor or volunteers to doctor appointments or other health care providers, the grocery store, the drug store or church.
- Benevolence Fund/Mercy Ministry/Emergency Needs
If you need immediate assistance with housing, food, clothing, finances, childcare or transportation.
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