Caring For Members

A WORD FROM PASTOR STEVE

Church Family,

As you are aware, I have been serving at CIBC for over a year, but now in the role as your Senior Pastor. It has been a joy and privilege to get to know the wonderful people of these beautiful islands over that time. Throughout the month of September, I will take my weekly email to answer a few questions that come my way. My hope is that this will help me communicate with you and will help you to have biblical and reasonable expectations of your Pastoral Staff.

How do you care for and visit the church members?

1. I maintain a life of regular prayer for the members of our church. As you face the day before you, I hope it encourages you to know that someone is praying for you.

2. I visit a few of our members each week, generally on Thursdays, but at other points of the week as well. Although the homebound and sick take priority, I deeply value fellowship with all members.

3. I send texts and emails to our church members as often as I can. Although a personal visit is ideal, in our busy world a word of encouragement along the way can keep open the lines of edification and communication.

4. I encourage our Pastoral Council to reach out to the congregation through our Shepherding Ministry. What a blessing that these brothers sincerely desire to love and pray for you!

5. I lead our pastoral staff to share in this ministry by praying for and visiting our congregation as well.

6. I will continue to help our people see that for a congregation our size we need every member to be a minister to others. In Scripture, the responsibility to care for and visit others is not reserved for pastors, it is the work of the entire church.

How can you help?

1. Pray for the leadership of the church. It is a great responsibility to lead and love God's people. We can't do it without your prayers.

2. Communicate your needs directly to the church office. If we don't know, we can't help, and we are glad to help wherever we can.

3. Take the initiative to proactively care for others in the church. Life groups are a great outlet for this kind of ministry.

4. Be patient, understanding, and forgiving. There are a lot of people with needs, and we are trying to lovingly serve them all, including you!

In Christ,

Pastor Steve