Pastoral Care at RBC

Providing Pastoral Care is important for us here at RBC.  Supporting one another in times of pain, loss and anxiety as well as sharing in triumphs, joys and victories brings joy to our Creator and enables people to live rich and rewarding lives. 

Jesus modelled this and commanded us to do the same.  He helped the sick and welcomed social outcasts like "tax collectors and sinners" (Matt. 9:10). He was moved with great compassion when He saw the many people who were spiritually needy, and He longed for more workers who would spread the news that could bring them salvation (Matt 9:36-38). He fed thousands of people who were hungry (Matt 15:32-39). He graciously gave salvation to a repentant thief who was dying on a cross next to Him (Luke 23:39-43). Even while Jesus was on the cross, He arranged for His mother's care (John 19:25-27). Jesus demonstrated humble service in a dramatic way when He washed His disciples' feet (John 13). He said, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15). We are to imitate His humility and be willing to put aside our "rights" in order to help others.

But Pastoral Care is not only about support and service; it’s also about helping people grow spiritually. Spiritual growth is development or improvement toward a goal called "maturity" (or, in the Bible, "perfection"). Many Scriptures describe the need to grow and mature spiritually: Ephesians 4:14, 15 – “Be no longer children, but grow up in Christ.”    2 Peter 3:18 – “...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”   2 Thessalonians 1:3 – “The Thessalonians grew exceedingly in faith.”   Philippians 1:9 – “Paul prayed for their love to abound more and more.”

Many problems result when members fail to grow: some go back to the world; others cause strife because of ignorance or become stumbling blocks because of irregular attendance, worldliness, or indifference.  Pastoral Care therefore not only includes the provision of support for the purposes of happiness and wellbeing but also the provision of spiritual advice, education, counselling and assistance for the purposes of growing in maturity.

At RBC we recognise it is everyone’s responsibility to provide Pastoral Care to one another and to organise ourselves to provide effective systems of care.  

In traditional Baptist Churches the Pastor as the sole giver of Pastoral Care was a popular concept but not a practical or Biblical one.   Here at RBC we recognise the God given leadership of our Senor Pastor and Elders. Under them we can be organised into effective and united ministries.

Home Groups are one of these ministries and the home group leader is the primary carer for their group members, while also using others as needed, such as elders, senior pastor, Horizon’s House, etc.

In this regard the Senior Pastor’s main role in Pastoral Care is to help establish Pastoral Care systems, to monitor and encourage the leaders of Pastoral Care ministries.   This being said, it is recognised that there are times, particularly in moments of crisis, that a visit from the Senior Pastor is needed. Upon request, he visits, conducts marriages, funeral services and baby dedications; and provides baptism for adult believers, communion services, and preparation of candidates for church membership.  

Home groups are by far the best way to provide quality Pastoral Care. Currently there exists seven home groups:

Home group leaders will be meeting regularly with Pastor Dean for training, curriculum and support as well as calling on him to provide care when the Pastor is needed.

Although home groups are the best way to provide Pastoral Care, it is also recognised that Home groups cannot always provide the support that is needed. Sometimes more specific support or more professional support is needed.  To this end Horizons House was developed.

Horizons House provides 5 qualified Christian Counsellors – including a Cantonese-speaking Counsellor – as well as a qualified Solicitor.  The services that these professionals provide is heavily supported by RBC, thus making this service affordable to everyone.

As well as Horizons house RBC provides Life Groups such as Weight Watchers and Friends (a social group for the elderly) and a women’s ministry called Equip.  We are currently developing a men’s ministry, which we hope to launch soon.

Visitation of those needing Pastoral Care is also an important strategy in Pastoral Care. A number of people in the congregation are involved in this ministry.

Social times together are also important in our Pastoral Care strategies:  Church camps, Guess Who’s Coming To Lunch, church lunches, church picnics and encouraging fellowship after the morning and evening services help to facilitate this.

These are the strategies which the members of RBC have developed to care for people, as commanded by Jesus.  If you would like to know more about these ministries – perhaps you would like to be a part of the team who provide Pastoral Care, perhaps you have a vision for another Pastoral Care ministry – please don’t hesitate to ring the RBC office (9809 4977) and speak with Pastor Dean.