Care Pastor

Position Summary

The Care Pastor is a key member of the pastoral team, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of shepherding the congregation through seasons of need, crisis, celebration and transition. This role centers on providing spiritual, emotional and practical care for individuals and families, ensuring that every member of the church community feels supported, valued and connected to the broader body of Christ.

Key Responsibilities

· Pastoral Care and Counseling: Offer compassionate and confidential pastoral support to church members facing illness, grief, relationship challenges or spiritual struggles.

· Hospital and Home Visitation: Regularly visit members who are hospitalized, homebound or in long-term care facilities, praying with them and offering spiritual encouragement. Coordinate volunteers to extend the church’s presence to those in need.

· Benevolence Ministry: Oversee the church’s benevolence fund and processes, ensuring assistance for those experiencing financial hardship. Work with community organizations to provide help beyond the church’s resources.

· Work with support groups such as LifeGroups, deacons and deaconess ministries and other care ministries within the church to coordinate or facilitate support groups for grief, divorce, addiction or other life challenges. Empower lay leaders to serve in these ministries and ensure they are equipped and encouraged.

· Crisis Response: Be available during emergencies such as deaths, accidents or natural disasters. Work alongside other staff to organize response and communication with the congregation.

· Weddings and Funerals: Assist with weddings, funerals and memorial services. Refer to the senior pastoral staff for pre-marital and bereavement counseling.

· New Member Assimilation: Assist new members in connecting with the life of the church through personal meetings, small groups and service opportunities. Ensure ongoing support during times of transition.

· Collaboration with staff: Work closely with other pastors and ministry leaders to identify needs, share information and coordinate care efforts. Attend staff meetings and contribute to the overall vision and mission of the church.

· Administration and Communication: Maintain accurate records of pastoral care interactions, communicate needs and updates with discretion and prepare reports for church leadership as required.

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

· Minimum 10 years and employment in pastoral ministry

· Spiritual Maturity: Deep personal faith in Christ, regular personal devotional life and evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.

· Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, active listening, empathy, confidentiality and conflict resolution.

· Ordained for ministry within the church

· Understanding and acceptance of VBC’s Statement of Faith

· Flexibility: Able to respond to urgent church needs outside of normal office hours.

· Teamwork: Collaborative spirit and commitment to work closely with staff and volunteers.

· Organization: Strong administrative abilities and attention to detail in record-keeping and follow-up.

· Confidentiality: Absolute discretion in all matters of pastoral care.