We Care

A Guide to Pastoral Care at First Apostolic Church

Prayer for the Sick. The New Testament church prayed for sick persons to be healed. (James 5:14). We believe this example should be followed today. Our ministers and deacons anoint and pray for the sick almost every service. If you have a special prayer request, you may call the church office and the prayer groups and ministers will be notified. We also encourage you to ask one or two other church members to pray for you.

Hospital Visits. Whenever a church member is admitted to the hospital for more than one day, one of our ministers or elders tries to make at least one visit. “I was sick and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36.) We keep our visits brief and positive. If you are going into the hospital and want us to visit you, please call the office and let us know.

Surgery. Surgery can be a traumatic experience, and most people want and appreciate prayer when they face it. If you would like, one of our ministers or deacons will come and pray for you before your surgery. Out-patient procedures are not normally included, unless you specifically request a visit.

Home Visits. Prayer and spiritual help are always available when you come to a church service. In times of extreme crisis, however, you may need a member of our pastoral staff to pay a visit to your house to pray or to help with an emergency. We will make every effort to respond. We also encourage people to call and receive prayer over the phone for needs.

Pastoral Counseling. Resolving personal and family problems often need the help of a counselor. Our pastoral staff offers spiritual counseling based upon Bible principles and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We believe that God gives insight to those who carefully study His Word and will submit themselves to it. Any pastoral counseling we administer usually takes one or two sessions, rather than multiple sessions over an extended period of time. If you feel like you need to talk, inform us of your need. Some situations may be handled in a few words after the service is over. If we think an appointment is necessary, we can arrange the time and place with you. We will make referrals to professional care-givers if necessary.

Special Functions: Members of our church enjoy several privileges that greatly enhance their personal and spiritual lives. These include weddings, funerals and baby dedications. Those who have benefited from these privileges can attest to their importance and blessing.

• Weddings: Our facilities are available for members to use for weddings at a great discount from non-members. Certain requirements must be met for individuals who want a church wedding, and all wedding ceremonies are subject to guidelines that assure the proper respect to the purpose of a house dedicated to God. Written policies that govern weddings, fee structure and the use of the building may be obtained from the church office. Pre-marital counseling may be required by the pastor. You may arrange this appointment directly with him.
• Funerals: When a death occurs, families need others to step forward and help carry the load. One of our pastoral staff will be available to officiate at the service, and we offer our facilities to any family who suffers the loss of one who is a member of the church or of a member of the immediate family. This includes the sanctuary for the service and the Family Life Center for a time of fellowship afterwards. We will work with the family to help provide a dinner for the family after the funeral service.
• Baby Dedications: While it is not our practice to baptize infants, we do find biblical examples where children were dedicated to the Lord and were blessed. We are happy to provide such services. Please make these arrangements with the Pastor.

In waiting for the services of the pastoral staff, please be patient. Other members also require attention and each one needs to be served fairly. Relate your specific needs to the pastor in a brief manner, yet it is important to be as complete as possible.

(This article is the first in series of tracts now being prepared for our guest packets.)