Pastoral Care
As we embark on a year of challenges and opportunities, the College of Bishops, in partnership with the Pastoral Care Working Group of the Way Forward project, have carefully considered how we can pastorally care for our people. Our remit included how to determine the most appropriate pastoral care needs of the LCANZ in the lead-up to General Synod 2024 and beyond. As we listened to your greatest concerns, there emerged a need to provide a pastoral care program that can be sustained beyond 2024 to support, encourage and empower members of the LCANZ. We are thrilled to introduce and launch a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing the pastoral care needs within our church.
A message from the LCANZ bishops
In this video the College of Bishops present a message of hope in times of change, uncertainty and anxiety. We invite you to watch this video and share it with others who are seeking guidance and hope as we prepare for the General Synod and the decision on the Way Forward proposal. Please find a time to show this during or after a worship service.
And in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
Romans 8:28
What are we hoping to do?
The pastoral care program is working closely with the College of Bishops to:
- equip individuals, groups and congregations for pastoral care
- facilitate access to pastoral carers
- establish a network of pastoral carers with specific training and equipping of existing and new pastoral care providers
- provide a unified approach to prayer, care and support within the LCANZ
- provide pastoral care resources to use and share on specific themes relating to care within the church.
Over the next few weeks, we will explore the topic of ‘fear’. Recognising this as a lead cause of many issues we face today, we are seeking to provide videos, study material and resources that encourage us to pray, reflect, and be encouraged. We invite you to consider what your prayer needs are, how you will engage, who you will encourage and to notice where God is at work through all our highs and all our lows.
The following material has been sourced for you to use as individuals and also for group and congregational resourcing. If you have any additional material that may be helpful on the topic of ‘fear’, we encourage you to forward ideas, suggestions and resources to pastoralcare@lca.org.au. In the next series, we will look at the topic of ‘hope’.
Please note further details on how to access pastoral care are still to come, but if you need help or have questions, we encourage you to contact pastoralcare@lca.org.au
Dwelling in the Word
Dwelling in the Word is a spiritual practice of reading the Bible intentionally. It is a listening and discerning tool to dwell with God, be present with the Holy Spirit and be formed and transformed by the word of God.
Prayer Points
Please pray:
- For those who are facing uncertainty about the future
- For those who are experiencing the pain of the past and fear of the future
- For the leaders of this church – that they may seek God’s guidance and wisdom
- That our actions reflect the heart of Jesus
Worship Planning
- Coming soon
LCA Daily Devotions
Devotions are times of daily, meaningful interaction between a believer and God, which help us to grow in faith. Devotions can be private, between an individual and God, or held in a group like a family or workplace. Group devotions strengthen bonds between believers as well as with God.
We’ve selected some LCA devotions from earlier in the year that speak to the topic of ‘fear’. Used with permission. For more devotions, click here.
Hold on and look to Jesus – Dr Kirsten Due
https://www.lca.org.au/hold-on-and-look-to-jesus/
God knows your suffering: do not fear – Dr Kirsten Due
https://www.lca.org.au/god-knows-your-suffering-do-not-fear/
Constantly watched over – Dr Noel Due
https://www.lca.org.au/constantly-watched-over/
No broken-down walls – Dr Noel Due
https://www.lca.org.au/no-broken-down-walls/
The Lord is Lord, indeed - Dr Noel Due
https://www.lca.org.au/the-lord-is-lord-indeed/
The Fear that Frees – Dr Noel Due
https://www.lca.org.au/the-fear-that-frees/
Lutheran Media
Lutheran Media produces podcasts, videos and booklets on a variety of topics. You may find some helpful resources at www.lutheranmedia.org.au and www.messagesofhope.org.au where you can search by topic or resource.
Videos:
‘What are you afraid of?’ (approx. 6 minutes) This video is a round table discussion with Richard, Celia and Noel on fear, how we respond to fear, and what Jesus promises in times of fear: www.messagesofhope.org.au/future/
‘How do you cope with change?’ (6½ minutes) Do you embrace change, or does it stress you out? Hear Anna, Celia and Janine share their thoughts on what stresses them out and finding strategies to cope: www.messageofhope.org.au/stress
Podcast:
‘Coping with change’ (approx. 10 minutes) Most of us have things we hope for and dream about for the future. But making those changes is often easier said than done. Listen as Richard and Celia share their struggles with change and explore what can give you confidence and peace in change: www.messagesofhope.org.au/coping-with-change/
Booklet:
‘There’s more to anger than getting mad’ Although this article explores the topic of anger, we’ve noticed a similarity to responses from people who are dealing with fear and responding to situations that are out of their control. Do you find yourself feeling angry with things that are happening around you? How can you manage anger well? Read this article to find helpful strategies in dealing with anger, discovering what God says in this, and how you can respond well: TheresMoreToAnger.pdf)
Calling for pastoral carers
As we embark on bringing love to life at the LCANZ synodical convention this year, you are invited to participate in this program of offering pastoral care to our sisters and brothers in Christ. Being a pastoral carer is a rewarding role where you enter the world of another and hear their fears and concerns. In this way, you become the presence of Christ for another, the assurance that nothing separates them from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Update! Currently at Capacity. The first round of pastoral care training is underway and we are overwhelmed by the response. If you missed out this time, and would still like to apply, please still send in an expression of interest to pastoralcare@lca.org.au. We will look at our capacity to offer further training in the near future. You may also like to discuss with your local congregation what pastoral care support is needed and what support is currently available through pastors and pastoral carers.
Questions?
Are you seeking pastoral care?
Much effort is being made to create the Pastoral Care program. Creating this program doesn't happen overnight, and a lot of effort is involved. There are many considerations to ensure that the program is adequate and of good quality. In the meantime, please continue to connect with your existing pastoral care support networks. Keep an eye on LCA eNews (subscription details below). We'll let you know when these details are released.
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