This 6-session, self-led small group course is suitable for ALL church members (e.g. home groups, cell groups and fellowship groups) as well as SOME church members involved, or thinking about becoming involved, in pastoral care in the church and community. The course considers a Christian perspective of pastoral care, dimensions and definitions of pastoral care, who is called to care for whom, caring qualities, Jesus the carer, listening to others, to God and to ourselves, confidentiality and resources. Each session is designed for 1½ hours and offers opportunity for bible study, discussion, sharing and reflection. The course comes in a workbook, which each group member will require and contains the material for each session and guidelines on how to use it. It builds on the understanding of developing quality relationships and is a useful step into the ‘Foundations in Pastoral Care’ for people who want to more specifically develop their call into pastoral care.

This course has been updated recently and is now available as a free downloadable resource here. If you wish to make a donation towards the development of the course and other resources that we are developing for the equipping and resourcing of pastoral carers, you can do so here – your contribution will be greatly appreciated.