For several years, Bethel has been working to develop a more effective system of shepherding our active resident members, resident inactive members and friends/prospective members of Bethel. Currently, acting church officers (Elders) each offer Christian caregiving to a group of families and individuals, under the leadership of the Pastor. It is hoped that members will help maintain the care giving relationship by contacting their care group Elder about any special needs (serious illness, death or crisis). All are encouraged to support one another in prayer, and the entire congregation is asked to pray monthly for each group.
The Pastor will work to train and equip the Elders for this ministry, supporting them and helping to keep them informed of developments. The Pastor will accompany Elders on visits when requested and scheduled.
This plan is not intended to lessen the individual's access to, or care by the Pastor, but to be a complement to that pastoral care. It is intended to provide better care and enable the Elder to experience the joy of extending God's love to his children.
We believe the Elder's task with regard to the group should include:
1. The Elder will become better acquainted with those in the group; after a telephone contact, the Elder will hope to visit occasionally with each family.
2. Both the Elder and Cluster members will note and informally discuss each other's church participation and thus encourage each other toward a stronger church life.
3. The Elder will expect that the Cluster members will call upon him/her to share times of special problems as well as times of joy for the family. As time permits, the Elder will visit at times of illness, or try to be a "good listener" if needed.
4. The Elder will bring special concerns of the Cluster Members to the attention of the pastor and/or Session.
5. The Elder will help integrate new families into our fellowship, and make a personal home visit six or nine months after a new member joins Bethel.
6. The Elder may encourage and help initiate informal get-togethers, such as picnics, hikes coffees, etc., as these appear to be of interest to the Cluster members.
7. The Elder will continue in prayer for Members of the Cluster.
8. The Elder will contact members with emergency messages and weather cancellations.
9. The Elder will take special care with the elderly and those living alone during severe weather (hot, cold, or storms) to see that basic needs are provided for.
