Small groups are an important place of nurture and mutual care. We often say they are the front-line of pastoral care, however they should not hesitate to alert the pastoral team when dealing with a significant pastoral care need, and when help and resources are needed beyond what’s available in the small group.
Below are specific ways small groups can provide pastoral care:
- Following-up with group sharing. Make note of what is shared in your group, and remember to
follow-up. At subsequent gatherings, ask for updates on how they’re doing, and consider what
tangible responses (e.g. a meal) might be helpful. - Births. It is the small group’s responsibility to bring a red rose for the altar on the Sunday following a birth. Groups may also want to host a baby shower, and organize carry-in meals.
- Extended illness. Stay in touch with members who are sick more than a few days or who are in the hospital. Send a text, a card or visit. Possibly video chat with the person during your small group time. Offer to grocery shop, pick up prescriptions, mow grass, organize carry-in meals, or tend to other chores that might otherwise go undone.
- Transitions. When a group member is transitioning to a new job, new home, retirement, or is dealing with other positive life changes, find a way to offer blessings and to celebrate with that person or family. Maintain contact when members are on extended leave and consider sending care-packages. Notify the pastoral team of transitions so that they can help with organizing send-offs or blessings.
- Financial needs. Is someone struggling with personal finances? Unable to obtain health insurance? AMC has a “members’ needs” fund that small groups can request on behalf of small group members in need. Is someone dealing with anxiety and/or depression? Is a family in emotional crisis? AMC has funds to assist with the cost of mental health care and marriage or family counseling.
- Funerals of loved ones. Have two or more group members attend local visitation and/or memorial services for anyone whose loved one has died. Send sympathy cards individually or as a group. Possibly send flowers or a planter, or contribute monetarily toward a memorial gift of remembrance. Consider offering meals.
- Missing on Sunday. For small group participants who usually attend Sunday morning worship, notice if they are missing more than one Sunday. Check in with them when that happens.
- A small group sharing list. Consider making a list of items or skills that small group members are willing to share among the group: e.g., one person may have a pick-up truck to loan out; another may have computer tech skills to offer or a willingness to provide occasional childcare.
Thanks to Sandy Fribley for many of the suggestions on this list.