Our pastors engage in this ministry to members primarily in two ways.

I.  Regular Pastoral Visitation

We schedule to meet with all members about twice a year.  During this time we ask questions in four categories: one's walk with God, relationships in the family, relationships and service in the church, and one's relationship in the world (i.e. vocation, witnessing, etc.)

This visit can be likened to a regular "checkup" that one receives from a doctor or dentist.  Its purpose is preventative, and seeks to find the spiritual health of the individual.

II.  Pastoral Counseling

These meetings are scheduled as deemed appropriate to meet any special needs and difficulties such as marital problems or struggles with life-dominating sins. 

These can be likened to special treatments at a doctor's office to address things found in the regular checkup.  They may be one meeting, or a series of meetings with homework and ongoing accountability.

Other

We also take seriously the great privilege of officiating and preaching at weddings, funerals, and hospital visitation.  For a pastor to do a wedding, a minimum of 4 premarital counseling sessions is required.  These services are offered primarily to members, though others may request them if present schedules allow.

 

"Outside" Counseling

While the pastors' primary care is among the flock where the Holy Spirit has made them overseers, there are sometimes occasions when those outside the local church, even those who aren't Christians, may seek counseling and help.  These cases will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the present schedule of the pastors.