Frequently Asked Questions

Pastoral care in our community flows from the heart of Yeshua the Messiah, our Good Shepherd, and is empowered by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). It is a Spirit-led expression of love and compassion, rooted in Scripture and guided by the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit. It’s holistic—embracing emotional, spiritual, and practical support. It may look like: • An elder or qualified leader praying with you in the hospital • A phone call that brings timely encouragement in a season of grief • A word of encouragement shared during a walk as you seek God’s direction • A card with Scripture to strengthen your faith or bring comfort • A Meal Train after surgery, or help getting to a medical appointment • A conversation about your calling, identity, or theological questions In every case, it is intentional, filled with love, and rooted in the belief that the Lord is present, healing, and actively speaking to His people.

When crisis hits, we respond with compassion and intercession. This might mean: • A qualified leader coming to pray at your bedside • Anointing with oil and prayer during a health emergency (James 5:14–15) • A call or visit after a traumatic event or loss • Intercessors being mobilized to prayer on your behalf We believe the Ruach (Holy Spirit) moves powerfully in moments of pain and will meet you right where you are.

Not all needs are immediate, but they are still important to the heart of God. Maybe you’re: • Wrestling with a question about your identity or destiny • Processing a health diagnosis • Struggling with family conflict • Seeking breakthrough in a stuck season These are moments where the Lord wants to minister to you, and we want to come alongside you in love and truth.

Pastoral care is not just for pastors—it’s one of the five-fold gifts (Ephesians 4:11) and the call of the whole Body of Messiah. While our pastors, shamashim (deacons), and zekenim (elders) are trained and anointed for shepherding, care often flows through the gifts of the Holy Spirit from person to person. Whether it’s a prophetic word, encouragement, practical help, or simply being present, everyone has a part to play. Want to serve in this way? Talk to one of our congregational leaders —we’d love to connect with you.

While pastoral care is spiritual and powerful, it’s not the same as: • Professional therapy or psychological counseling • Long-term coaching or mentorship • Spiritual direction in the traditional sense • Close friendship (though it can feel deeply relational) Pastors and elders are called to carry your burdens, but not in a mutual way like a friend would. They offer spiritual care, not peer relationship.

Everything is welcome—no topic is off-limits. You can bring: • Grief, fear, spiritual warfare • Dreams, visions, questions about theology or Scripture • Family and relational struggles • Identity conversations • Illness, parenting, retirement, divorce, depression We want to walk with you to discern God’s voice, seek healing, and see you grow into who Adonai created you to be.

Our leaders are equipped for care—but they’re not licensed therapists or counselors. So you’ll usually meet 1–3 times around a specific concern, with longer-term support referred to trusted partners in the Kingdom. They also honor Sabbath rest, and won’t respond to care requests during their scheduled rest days, except in true emergencies. For urgent needs, call our pastoral emergency line and leave a message. Remember, our pastoral team cares for a congregation of 250+, so availability is limited each month. We appreciate your grace and understanding. On a case-by-case basis, we may refer you to a professional counselor for further care when the conversation proceeds past the boundaries of pastoral care.

Just ask. Reach out to a pastor or member of our leadership team and say something like: • “Shalom, could we talk soon? I’ve been struggling in my marriage and need some prayer and counsel.” • “I just received a diagnosis and want to talk with someone about what the Lord may be doing in this.” • “Can we meet sometime in the next two weeks to pray into a decision I’m facing?” For emergencies, call the pastoral line and leave your name, what’s happening, and how we can get back to you quickly.

That’s okay too. Many times, the Holy Spirit begins His work just as we reach out. You might email a leader with something like: “I’m feeling overwhelmed in this season. I miss my mom, and I’m trying to be strong for my kids. I don’t know what kind of help I need, but I need something. Could we talk?” We’ll pray with you and help you discern what kind of care is most life-giving.

Our pastoral care team includes pastors, elders, deacons, home group leaders, and intercessors. They communicate regularly to: • Pray for individuals and the community • Check in about needs in the congregation • Offer spiritual support and care • Mobilize help for practical needs

Confidentiality is respected unless you ask us to share your need more publicly—such as for community prayer during Shabbat services or with the intercessory team. In matters pertaining to shepherding or governing the community as a whole, information may be shared with the full eldership, with communication to you. Matters involving the breaking of secular law will be shared with the full eldership and may also be referred to appropriate leaders, our security team, or an appropriate governmental organization.