“This I command you, to love one another.”
- John 15:17

Pastoral Partners

Pastoral Partners is a ministry of the Board of Deacons in which members of the congregation are trained and equipped to provide encouragement and care to those who are shut-in or for some other reason would benefit from increased pastoral visitation. Each Pastoral Partner is assigned a cluster, made up of one to three members of the congregation.

What do Pastoral Partners do?

After receiving training, a Pastoral Partner commits to: pray for each individual in her/his cluster on a daily basis; telephone each member of the cluster at least twice per month; and visit each member of the cluster at least one time per month.

Why does Northminster have a Pastoral Partner ministry?

The reason is simple: because Jesus tells us that we need to minister to all those in the body, including those who, because of health or logistical problems, have a hard time participating in the fellowship of the congregation.

What is the training like?

The Pastoral Partner training is a three-hour block of instruction. The trainers are active participants in the ministry. The training includes discussions of the rationale for providing the training, the organizational structure of the ministry, and the practical aspects of carrying out the ministry.

What is the organizational structure of the ministry?

Each pastoral Partner is responsible to a Coordinator, who oversees the ministry of five to eight Pastoral Partners. The coordinators are, in turn, responsible to the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care.

How do I get involved, or what if I just want more information?

Please contact us for more information on the ministry and the date of the next training.

What if I know someone who ought to have a Pastoral Partner?

Please contact us and the information will be referred to the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. He will call the person and make sure that it’s all right to assign him/her a Pastoral Partner. If the answer is “Yes,” a Pastoral Partner will be assigned as soon as possible.

Join us in this rewarding ministry!

We invite you to join with us to help bring comfort and joy through visitation to those within our church family who are ill, infirm or otherwise unable to fully participate with us in the life of the church. The benefit is two-way, for you will be as richly blessed as those to whom you minister.