One of the things that we value in The Beacon is the pastoral care of our people. 

We define pastoral care in two ways;

1. To love, support and care for individuals in need, and at times of vulnerability or pressure.
2. To encourage, exhort, lead and disciple individuals to bear fruit (John 15:8) and to come to maturity in Christ. (Col 1v28-29)

We aim to do this through various ways.

Participation in Small Group life is one of the ways we try and look after people and maintain good, healthy, real relationships. We aim to have a family feel at the church but as we grow bigger this is more challenging and Small Groups are more vital than ever at providing a smaller group where you can be cared for and know people well.

We also have a Pastoral Support Team that meets regularly and provides support for cell leaders or directly gets involved, if appropriate, in certain situations.

We have a number of trained counsellors in the church. If we feel the issue arising cannot be met within the context of the Small Group or the Pastoral Team then we can refer on so the person can get appropriate professional help, whilst still maintaining prayerful and pastoral cover alongside.

Julie Sussex is on staff and is responsible for Pastoral Care.