Pastoral Care

Each of us has times in life where we need help. These times may be due to a crisis situation at home or work, with health, relationships, bereavement or due to God working in an area of your life where you are struggling.

Although Jesus is the true “counsellor, healer, restorer and deliverer” we seek to be His instruments at specific times of crisis or deep need.

Contact the Pastoral Department

If you are in need of pastoral care, please email pastoral@freedombathandbristol.com and a member of our pastoral department will respond.

Pastoral care in Discipleship groups

Your Discipleship group leader is the person who oversees you pastorally. He/She is the first port of call in time of need and they will refer to someone else according to this need. They care for you generally but are not called to provide “counselling” or prayer ministry (please see the notice board at the back of Church or the Discipleship Groups page, for a list of Discipleship groups).

Skilled Helpers

We have a team of people in the Church who are gifted at praying and supporting people in times of need. They are available to pray with you, listen to you and support you. If you would like to be seen by someone please contact the Pastoral Department on pastoral@freedombathandbristol.com for more information.

Counsellors

We have a few professional counsellors in Church and have relationships with many more in the area. If you feel that this is what you need, please contact the Pastoral department and we will match you with someone who has the specific gifts that you may need. Contact the the Pastoral Department on pastoral@freedombathandbristol.com for more information.

Pastoral Clinics

We have four Pastoral Assistants available at different times throughout the week where people can arrange a time to have an appointment. The time can be to talk through an issue, have soaking prayer for healing (both physically or emotionally), or pray through other issues. Please contact the the Pastoral Department on pastoral@freedombathandbristol.com for more information.

Pastoral Visiting

We seek to offer one off visits to anyone who needs help and cannot physically get to a clinic due to illness or being in hospital. Please contact the Pastoral Department.

Mentoring

We have a team of people trained and ready to help all the people who make a decision to follow Jesus. They meet regularly to help all our new Christians get a good foundation in their new walk with God. Ask your Discipleship group leader for details. There are also mentoring groups that meet in homes/pubs/ cafes called What now? Groups.

Life Coaching

There is an opportunity to meet with a trained Life Coach. Life coaching is not a counselling service but provides support and direction to enable individuals to make life changing decisions and reach their potential.

Freedom in Christ course

We run a yearly course covering the basics of how to live a free life knowing who you are, how to deal with the past and the main strongholds in your life. It's a thorough course which gives you room for prayer ministry as well. It happens every January.

Host Team

We have a team of people who welcome and try to connect new people to the house of God, you'll see them on a Sunday in Host Tshirts with the bowls of sweets!!

What is pastoring?

To be pastored DOES NOT mean:

• To be controlled (i.e. decisions made for you).

• To be parented as a small child (i.e. there all the time for you).

• To be leant on (i.e. God is the only one who has big enough arms).

Pastoring means:

• To disciple (through the discipleship group structure) – teach, advise, encourage, inspire, help and correct.

• To help in times of crisis.