At St Paul’s, our Pastoral Care Team offers Christ‑centred support, prayer, and encouragement to our church family. The team meets regularly with Revd Joe to pray, share wisdom, and discern how best to care for people in the love and compassion of Jesus.
Team Members
Anne Mitchell
Erica Miller
Helen Atkinson
Helen Cooper
Helen Morton
Helen Morton
Jane Wielding
Joan Love
Julie Sanderson
Mary Ann Steers
What We Do
Our Pastoral Care Team works closely with the Elders to ensure that everyone in our congregation feels known, valued, and supported. This includes visiting those who find it difficult to attend church, keeping in touch with people who may feel isolated, and being available for anyone who would appreciate a listening ear over a cup of tea or coffee.
We offer care gently and respectfully, recognising that people’s needs vary and that pastoral support is always given where it is welcomed. In all we do, we hope to reflect the kindness of Jesus and the fellowship of His people.
Our Biblical Foundations
Pastoral care grows from Jesus’ command to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). It is a practical expression of the gospel, a way of embodying the compassion, mercy, and presence of Christ in everyday life.
We follow the pattern of the early church, who “devoted themselves to fellowship” and “cared for each other’s needs” (Acts 2:42–47). And at the heart of our ministry is the example of the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep by name, guides them, and walks with them (John 10).
Our Heart for Ministry
The Reverend Graham Long captured the heart of pastoral care beautifully in 1992:
““The wholehearted care of others is more than a practice or a programme. It flows as they are held in proper regard and is best conducted with the expectation of mutual enrichment as the initial, often hesitant, relationship is made glorious as giver and receiver in their turn become receiver and giver.”
This reflects our desire at St Paul’s: to walk alongside one another in Christ, listening, supporting, and helping one another grow in His love and light. Pastoral care is not simply a task, it is a shared fellowship rooted in the gospel.