Fellowship in all situations of life

Pastoral care means being close to people: encouraging them, creating trust, giving security, imparting strength for precisely the situation they are currently facing. We all walk together on the path that leads to salvation through Jesus Christ.

His word and deed are the model for all pastoral care. Christ is the good shepherd who knows His own, speaks to them, and leads them. He came to earth for all human beings. He wants to keep all those entrusted to Him and not lose anyone. Jesus addressed His offer to all human beings, irrespective of their personal status. He allowed them to feel His love. He listened, helped, comforted, gave advice, admonished, strengthened, prayed, and taught.

Pastoral care: tailored to individual needs

The New Apostolic Church considers it a central task to pursue this vision, and its focus is expressed in the availability of ministers: around the world there are approximately 37 Church members for every minister. This relationship allows for a very personalised level of pastoral care.

This is especially true since it is not only the ordained Deacons, Priests, and Apostles who have a pastoral duty to perform. Pastoral care is also provided to children, youth, and seniors by a similar number of other dedicated members. Many committed women and men perform these tasks almost exclusively on a voluntary basis. They do so out of their own free will, out of deep conviction, and for the glory of God.

Pastoral care for everyone

All members of the New Apostolic Church are entitled to individual pastoral care. The ministers look after everyone irrespective of gender, age, background, skin colour, nationality, or sexual orientation.

Confidential meetings with a minister are always available for this purpose. The focus of such meetings is to share concerns and needs, discuss matters of faith, and pray together.

There is particular emphasis on support for the dying and their grieving relatives. Believing New Apostolic Christians acknowledge a hope beyond death, but the experience of this transition is so profound and multifaceted that those concerned need sensitive support.

Group-specific pastoral care

Specific care is extended to the various groups: on the one hand, to the different generations represented in the congregations. On a local level and beyond, the Church offers age-appropriate care for children, young people, and seniors, as well as intensive pastoral care for the sick.

On the other hand, pastoral care can also be tailored to special situations of life and the requirements of the congregation’s members. While the nature of this care may differ between the District Churches, there are, for example, special offers of support for singles and single parents, people with addictions and their families, and people with physical or cognitive handicaps. This includes services in easy language, the translation of sermons into sign language and, last but not least, support for self-help groups.

In any event, pastoral care is also a duty for the congregation as a whole. This includes emotional support as well as practical help in life.