Called to Care There are many ways to define congregational care, but Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions Jill Williams appreciates best how the PC (USA) Book of Order spells it out: All Christians are called to care for one another in daily living, sharing joys and sorrows, supporting in times of stress and need, offering mutual forgiveness and reconciliation. Jill explained, “It’s a common misperception that only pastors care for the congregation. That’s laughable. Our only hope for true congregational care is that we all care for one another well, carrying each other’s burdens and loving one another sacrificially.” Jill believes that Covenant has a good scriptural vision of how to do caring ministries. “The congregation cares for the congregation. I do direct care; but more so, I invest in others who are doing the care. I spend a lot of time with teams, such as the Deacons, the hospital visitation team, the career transitions team and others.” Kay Austin works with Jill on Congregational Care issues. The two receive hundreds of requests to reach out to members, to
celebrate joys and deal with sorrows. Jill said that their focus is more frequently on seasons of challenge and transition. “I often intersect with people who have lost a job, are having trouble with family, or are experiencing the death of a loved one–times when they are sensitive and aware of the need for Christ.” Kay, who is a Stephen Minister, receives much information about members in need. “I hear about people in the hospital, about births and deaths; I even hear about family pets and sometimes people worried that they haven’t seen a member at church for two months. My job involves huge amounts of email correspondence with the Deacons.” Kay
added that “being able to connect members of the congregation and their Deacon in the time of need or in the midst of a wonderful event is rewarding.”
Walking the Walk Kay, herself, has participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and Walking the Mourner’s Path. “Wrapping someone in Christ’s love with the prayer shawls, the tangible reminder of Christ’s love, is huge,” she said. Kay also appreciates the group’s camaraderie. “The women are so connected and giving; 100 percent of the program is their donation of time and money. It’s a funny group; there’s lots of laughing and sharing. It’s a fabulous experience.” 3
