Congregational Care
Taking Care of Our Partners, The Church,
and The Community
Shepherding The Flock And Community
Congregational care and nurturing is more than simply taking care of our own—it’s an all-encompassing empathy for our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, and any who require compassion and care, which Central College is more than willing to provide.
Led by Pastor David Redding, our Congregational Care and Nurturing services are not only focused church Partners, leadership, and it’s small groups, but also brings services such as grief counseling, help with technology, and sometimes something as simple as a phone call to check in.
As Paul said in Writing to the Church in Galatia: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10).”
For more information on the services provided by Congregational Care and Nurturing, either call the Central College main offices at 614-882-2347 or email us by clicking here.
Looking for some examples of the services and care provided by Central College? Here are some examples:
In home visits
Hospital visits
In home communion
Phone calls
Deaths in family
Care Connections Callers
Church members make regular calls and contacts with sisters and brothers in the church family. We all have an opportunity for this shared ministry, and everyone in the congregation receives a call at least quarterly. This service was especially important during the pandemic, in which scores of Central College Partners were mobilized to call and check in on the parish.
Elder Shepherding
Elders on Session shepherd a group of at least ten people who supervise callers of at least ten members of Central College Church. Elder Shepherds call monthly for spiritual support and guidance and to invite sharing of celebrations and challenges within the particular flock under their care.
Stephen Ministry
Central College participates in the Stephen Ministry Series which offers a complete system of training and organizing people within the congregation for caring ministry both in the church and to community. Individuals receive fifty- two hours of training and are then assigned care-receivers who have experienced the loss of a loved one, divorce, the stress of hospitalization as well as many other life needs.
For more information on Stephen Ministry visit their national website page by clicking below.
Tech Training For Seniors
Central College offers tech training for seniors who are homebound or retirement home residents. Training is provided to assist seniors in the use of and IPad or Chromebook provided by the church. After some instruction they are able to watch the services on line and participate in the virtual Hymn-Sings and Right-Now Media Bible Studies.
A Testimonial On Senior Tech Training
“Thank you CCPC for your program of loaning technical devices to some of our members. I have an iPad which John Lane and Jane Simmons set up for me and which I am enjoying using. I can do more with it than I thought. I am able to get all our church services and weekly updates and can now email. By their request I email my family every morning and evening so they know I’m okay. I also got a few things on Google. This is a great opportunity CCPC is doing for members like me and it makes me feel a little part of this technical world we live in. I am very thankful to Central College Church.”
-Gwenn Turner, Central College Partner
Divorce Care/Divorce Care 4 Kids
DivorceCare is a safe place where caring people come alongside you as you find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. At this 13-week, video-based support group program, you’ll find helpful counsel to manage the emotional turmoil and practical tools for decision-making.
For more information, call the front offices by clicking here.
GriefShare
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
Your loss may be recent within this past year or one that occurred several years ago, everyone is invited to join the group. Past GriefShare group members are also welcome.
For information on upcoming GriefShare programs, call our front offices by clicking here.