PAY IT FORWARD

pastor on call

PRAYER GUIDE
benevolence
hospital vistations
celebrations of life
pastoral counseling
Weddings

pastor on call

Within Pastoral Care, some responsibilities and duties fall outside your department's purview but within your scope of being a Pastor.
 You can download these packets individually on the Public Drive (//public/Pastoral Care).

Administrative Notes

Your attire should be professional and ready to comfort a grieving family.
Your POC Shift is 24 hours: 8am to 8am.
Primary and Backup Hours on campus: 8am-4:30pm
  • As primary, your meetings come second to your POC duties.
    • Work with your backup for lunches.
    • All meetings, including those with Pastors Brad or Dale, are secondary to POC duties.
  • As a backup, your responsibility is to cover the Primary POC.
    • Cover them during lunch or when they are already engaged in a POC moment.
  • Please add the Professional Exchange numbers to your Favorites folder
    • 559-244-2523 | 559-323-2401

benevolence

  • Anyone requesting a form should have it explained to them by the POC.
  • The POC should pray over anyone requesting a form or turning in a completed form.
  • When the front desk calls for benevolence, talk with them for a few minutes and put your initial reactions in the notes on their packet for Jason and Erin to review.
  • Please see the Benevolence Guide (Page 3) for more information.

prayer

  • Your primary responsibility during your POC shift is prayer.
  • If people come on campus for prayer, you should respond within 5 minutes.
  • If people call the church for prayer, you should be available to take the call immediately.
  • Please see the Prayer Guide (Page 2) for more information.
  • For medical emergencies, then tell them to call 911 and then call back.
  • If they express suicidal thoughts or intents, reference the Suicidal Ideation sheet on the back of this packet.

hospital visitations

  • Once every two months, you will be a part of the hospital visitations on a Friday.
    • On those weeks, you can take another day off, approved by Pastor Brad.
  • Please see the Hospital Guide (Page 4) for more information.

prayer guide

If someone shows up for prayer, here is a prayer guide you can use. Remember to be empathetic.

WELCOMING AND LISTENING

  • Greet them warmly, making them feel welcome.
  • Ask their name and share yours.
  • Ask what you can pray for, and then listen attentively without interrupting.

BUILDING RAPPORT AND EMPATHY

What encouragement can you give them that sounds like it comes from a friend?

PRAYER

Should you lay hands on them or anoint them with oil? What verses support your prayer?

SUPPORT

Can we improve their situation with tangible, financial, group, or counseling resources?
download prayer guide

BENEVOLENCE

If anyone shows up needing tangible assistance (food, clothes, etc.), they will receive help.
The person must fill out an application for all requests for financial assistance.
  • We assist with life-sustaining needs: Water, Electricity, Rent, and Car.
This process begins and ends with a Pastor.
  • When requesting a form, explain the form and process to them.
    • We only assist with life-sustaining needs.
    • 1-2 week process.
    • The whole packet needs to be filled out and returned. 
  • When returning a form, check to make sure the form is filled out. Check for:
    • Contact information.
    • A copy of the bill.
    • Whether they attend Peoples Church.
  • Pray over them.
  • Place your initial reactions in their file and turn in to Erin or Jason.

common questions

How often do we help someone financially?
We can only help a person once every 12 months.
What happens to their paperwork once it is completed?
All benevolence files are stored on the server and then shredded.
Are there things we won’t provide financial assistance toward?
Yes, we don’t pay for credit cards, loans, medical or insurance bills.
DOWNLOAD BENEVOLENCE GUIDE

hospital visitations

If this is an emergency from a POC Call, ensure they have called emergency medical services. 

before the visit

  • Obtain relevant information:
    • Hospital Name and Address
    • Patient’s Full Name, Room Number, and Condition
  • Prepare for the Visit
    • Dress Appropriately
    • Gather your ID, Bible, and Anointing Oil
  • Check-in at the front desk and announce the purpose of your visit.

during the visit

Non-Emergency Situations
  • Respect hospital visiting hours and policies.
  • Greet the patient and their family. Introduce yourself and your role at the church.
  • Take time and listen actively. Express care, sharing encouraging words or verses.
  • Ask what you can pray for, and then listen attentively without interrupting.
  • Pray with them. Offer to anoint them with oil and lay hands on their head or shoulder.
Emergency Situations
  • Visit them promptly. If after hospital visiting hours, enter through the emergency room.
  • Respect the medical staff and their responsibilities. You are secondary.
  • Greet the family, introduce yourself, and state your role at the church.
  • Take time and listen actively. Offer words of comfort to the family.
  • Pray for peace, strength, and healing according to the situation.
If They Pass
  • We do not perform last rites or rituals, but we will pray for the family.
  • If they want a funeral at Peoples Church, refer them to Beth (beth@peopleschurch.org). Do not make promises for a funeral.
Never offer platitudes or flippant responses because you’re unsure what to say. Practice empathy, affirm their feelings, and comfort them. Your presence and prayers are enough.

after the visit

  • Update Maria and Tracie immediately regarding the visit.
DOWNLOAD HOSPITAL GUIDE
VISIT REPORT

celebrations of life

Funerals, Memorials, and Celebrations of Life at Peoples Church

  • There is a process for booking an event at Peoples Church.
  • As Pastors, we do not subvert the process; we submit to it. It is there to protect the church, its members, and you.
    • The first step is to contact Beth Van Oosten via email: bethv@peopleschurch.org
  • This process includes but is not limited to Application, Administrative Approval, Coordination, and Scheduling.

Preparation

  • Meet with the family.
  • Confirm Date/Time/Location.
  • Ask about a graveside
  • Ask about a reception
  • Lay out the order of service.

at the ceremony

  • Do not be late or underdressed
  • Check in with the family.
  • Ensure all elements are in place.
  • Go through your order of service slowly.
  • Present the gospel.

at the graveside

  • Do not be late or underdressed. Arrive early and be well-dressed in formal business attire.
    • Men – Suit and Tie, unless otherwise noted.
    • Women – Jacket with matching skirt or pants.
  • Check-in with the family and funeral director (in that order).
  • Stand at the head of the casket. It is always on the west side.
    • Ask the funeral director for help if needed.
  • Go through your Order of Service. Speak slowly, be comforting, offer hope, and be genuine.
  • Present the Gospel
  • Know how to close – what happens after you’re done speaking?
    • Turn the service over to the funeral director.
DOWNLOAD COL GUIDE

SamplE Celebration of Life Order of Service

  • Opening Greeting and Prayer
  • Honor Guard
  • Reading of Obituary
  • Song or Scripture Read
  • Obituary
    • Birthdate
    • Date of passing
    • Surviving Family
    • Brief description of their life’s impact
  • Personal Stories from family or friends.
  • Music with Video Tribute
  • Message
    • End with a gospel message and invitation
  • Closing Prayer
  • Reception Announcement (If Applicable)
  • Dismissal

Sample Graveside Order of Service

  • Greeting
  • Prayer
  • Scriptural Reading
  • Dismissal to Funeral Director

POTENTIONAL VERSES

Psalm 23, Psalm 46, Psalm 55, Psalm 56, Psalm 91, Proverbs 18, Ecclesiastes 3, John 14, Romans 8, 1 Thessalonians 4, 2 Corinthians 1, 1 Peter 5, Revelation 21

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS

  • Musical Tribute
  • Communion
  • Moment of Silence
  • Memorial Token

pastoral counseling

When counseling someone, it is important to remember these things:

  • Maintain boundaries
  • Listen more than you talk
  • Establish the primary problem
  • Suggest possible interventions
  • Know your limitations
  • How to close

dealing with suicidal ideation

Dealing with people who have suicidal ideation is a serious and sensitive matter. If you encounter someone who expresses or exhibits signs of suicidal thoughts, taking immediate action is essential to ensure their safety and well-being. 
download counseling guide

counseling notes template

  • Your notes should include their name, date, start time, and type of session.
  • What session number is this? Remember, we should only extend up to five (5) sessions.
    • There should be a plan for what comes next if you are nearing the end.
    • Do they need to meet with a professional counselor?
    • Will they meet with you in a month for a check-in?
  • Update and Progress: Record the answers to your opening question.
    • How have you been?
    • Are there any significant updates since our last session?
  • Significant Observations – How do they look or carry themselves?
    • Are they sleepy, disheveled, rested, happy, depressed, angry, etc.?
  • Review the Homework – Did they complete it? How did it go?
  • Prep for the Session – This should be completed before the session.
    • What are your goals to accomplish for the upcoming session?
  • Notes – Take notes as you go, like an outline for the conversation.
  • Main Issue – What is the main problem this person is facing?
  • Substance Abuse – They may be using this as a coping mechanism.
    • You may have to report this behavior to parents if they are underage.
      • Always involve Pastor Brad before engaging in any reporting behaviors.
  • Current Danger Potential – Are you concerned they may harm themselves or others?
  • Subsequent Actions and Homework – List any actions they will take, you will take, and assign any homework.
  • Do you need to contact them between sessions? Be sure to take notes.
  • Do you need insight or advice between sessions? Write your notes.
  • Your notes should include your next appointment, signature, and end time.
  • Scan and email a copy of this document to Pastor Jason (jasonb@peopleschurch.org)
download

weddings

Weddings at Peoples Church
  • There is a process for booking an event at Peoples Church.
  • As Pastors, we do not subvert the process; we submit to it. It is there to protect the church, its members, and you.
    • The first step is to contact Beth Van Oosten via email: bethv@peopleschurch.org
  • This process includes but is not limited to Application, Administrative Approval, Coordination, Scheduling, and Premarital Counseling.
Weddings Offsite
  • If they request you, it is your responsibility to follow up.
  • Have they completed premarital counseling?
  • Is there anything that would preclude you from performing this ceremony?
    • Are you legally allowed to officiate a wedding in the county?
    • Are you officiating a wedding that goes against Biblical standards?

WEDDING PREPARATION

Before the Wedding
  • Ensure you can perform the ceremony
  • Meet with the bride and groom.
  • Ask about premarital counseling
  • Confirm Date/Time/Location.
  • Ask about a reception
  • Lay out the order of service.

At the Rehearsal
  • Arrive early and dress professionally.
  • Meet the Coordinator and gather ceremony details.
  • You should know where everyone will gather, enter, stand, and sit.
  • Make sure they have the marriage license.
  • Who is sending the marriage license? Remember, you are the legal representative.
At the Ceremony
  • Do not be late or underdressed
  • Check in with the family.
  • Ensure all elements are in place.
  • Go through your order of service slowly.
  • Know how to close

download wedding guide