Shepherd’s Care Group

A Ministry of Presence and Care

The Shepherd’s Care Group at Holy Trinity Lutz exists to extend Christ’s compassion and care to members of our congregation and to those in our community. This ministry operates under the authority and supervision of the pastor and elders and serves as a pastoral extension of the Church’s care for souls.

The work of the Shepherd’s Care Group is rooted in love for Christ and love for neighbor. In this holy service, members serve as God’s hands and feet, especially to those who are vulnerable, hurting, or in need of companionship and encouragement.

What Is the Shepherd’s Care Group?

The Shepherd’s Care Group provides a ministry of presence.

This means that members of the group reach out to individuals who desire care through:

• phone calls,
• personal visits, or
• quiet companionship during times of need.

In these visits, members offer uplifting conversation, a listening ear, and compassionate presence, helping to bear one another’s burdens and reminding those they visit that they are not alone in the Body of Christ.

A Conduit of Care and Connection

The Shepherd’s Care Group also serves as a conduit between individuals and the congregation, helping to keep members connected to the life of the Church, especially those who are homebound or shut in.

Through regular contact, they help ensure that:

• shut-ins remain connected to their church family,
• joys and concerns are shared appropriately with the pastor and elders, and
• the wider congregation remains attentive to those who cannot be physically present.

In this way, the Shepherd’s Care Group helps the Church remain one body, caring for all its members.

How This Ministry Serves the Church

Members of the Shepherd’s Care Group:

• Follow up with those who request visits or contact
• Offer uplifting conversation and attentive, active listening
• Provide encouragement rooted in Christian hope
• Pray with and for those they visit
• Help bear the burdens of life through faithful presence
• Channel questions, concerns, or pastoral needs to the pastor and elders

When deeper spiritual care, teaching, or counsel is needed, concerns are lovingly and promptly directed to the pastor and elders.

Training, Care, and Confidentiality

Those who serve in the Shepherd’s Care Group have received training in:

• compassionate, attentative, and active listening,
• appropriate boundaries, and
• confidentiality.

They understand that the trust placed in them is sacred. Information shared during visits is treated with reverence and discretion, and is shared with the pastor or elders only when appropriate for pastoral care.

Serving Under Pastoral Oversight

This ministry functions in close coordination with the pastor and elders, ensuring that care is faithful, orderly, and grounded in the Church’s life together.

The Shepherd’s Care Group does not offer counseling or make pastoral decisions. Instead, it supports the Church’s shepherding work by helping ensure that care is timely, personal, and attentive.

God’s Hands and Feet

In visiting, listening, praying, and simply being present, members of the Shepherd’s Care Group quietly reflect Christ’s mercy. Through faithful companionship and loving care, they help bear the burdens of others and strengthen the bonds of Christ’s Church.

If you would like a visit, or would like to learn more about this ministry, please contact the church office or speak with the pastor.