All ALM candidates should:
- show a clear commitment to personal growth in faith and discipleship;
- be recognised by the leadership of church and by the congregation(s) as being committed to serving God’s mission through the work of the parish/benefice/deanery, as well as in their own daily life;
- be committed to working collaboratively as a member of a team;
- be eager to encourage the gifts of others;
- show evidence of the gifts and skills appropriate to the particular ministry being considered, and the potential to develop them;
- have an appetite for life-long learning in a Christian context and be enthusiastic about following a course of training and formation;
- normally be actual communicant members of the Church of England;
- be willing and able to comply with the diocesan and parish policies on safeguarding children and adults with particular needs and vulnerabilities.
Pastoral Worker
An ALM Pastoral Worker is
- to provide pastoral care on behalf of the church to those who are in need of spiritual, physical, emotional or psychological support.
- to offer encouragement, advice, and practical support to those with temporary or long-term illnesses, disabilities or needs.
A typical pastoral worker role description might include some or all of these responsibilites:
- Leading or sharing in baptism preparation
- Leading or sharing in marriage preparation
- Offering bereavement support
- Organising a parish prayer support scheme
- Organizing or being part of a parish visiting team or programme
- Organising or being part of lunch clubs, coffee mornings etc. offering pastoral support and friendship
- Visiting people in hospital
- Transporting people to and from church, lunch clubs, medical appointments etc.
- Visiting care homes.
- Visiting those who are sick and housebound.
Download a draft role description.
A full version of a draft role description as an editable word document is available here.
What does the course include?
When it was last run, it included these topics:
What is pastoral care?
- What is good listening?
- How do I pray appropriately with others.
- Responsible care
- To whom am I accountable?
- Who will support me?
- The importance of confidentiality.
- Learning how to receive care.
- Caring for the carers
Visiting the sick
- Good practice in hospitals, residential care and at home
- Exercising care for adults in vulnerable or distressed situations
Pastoral support around church services
- Baptism preparation and supporting families with young children
- Support for marriage, wedding preparation and relationship support
- Bereavement and the care of families around and after funerals
Pastoral Care and individual needs
- Improving our awareness of mental health issues
- Considering care, relationships and spiritual growth in ageing
Part of a team
- Reflecting on how we share ministry with others.
- Learning to signpost appropriately
- When and where to make a referral.