Circles of Care

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a circle of care? A circle of care is a mercy ministry group led by a shepherding elder in partnership with a deacon and a Women in the Church (WIC) representative, which exists to equip members of St. Paul’s to bear the burden (Galatians 6:2) of a fellow member or regular attender that they cannot bear by themselves without significant community support.
2. How are circles of care formed? Circles of care are formed when a shepherding elder, in conversation with others who are knowledgeable of the situation, determines that a member on their shepherding list (or a regular attender that they are willing to adopt) cannot bear a burden without significant community support.
3. What happens after a circle of care is formed? When a shepherding elder determines that a circle of care is needed, he shall: (a) Reach out to the Deacons to request a diaconal representative. (b) Reach out to WIC to request a WIC representative. (c) Inform the Clerk of Session, the Chairman of the Diaconate, and the WIC Director that a new circle of care has been formed. (c) Convene a circle of care meeting or conversation with the Deacon and WIC reps to begin the care process.
4. How are Deacon representatives identified to serve in specific circles of care? Shepherding elders may either (a) ask a specific deacon to serve in their circle of care or (b) ask the Deacon Board to assign a deacon to their circle.
5. How are WIC representatives identified to serve in specific circles of care? The WIC Board maintains a list of Session-approved WIC representatives who are ready to serve on circles of care. Shepherding elder may either (a) ask a specific WIC rep to serve in their circle of care or (b) ask the WIC Board to assign a WIC rep to their circle.
6. What resources are available to assist circles of care and how can they be accessed? Circles of care may (a) reach up to the Session or the Diaconate for pastoral wisdom or financial assistance or (b) reach out to the congregation for human resources and manpower in meeting volunteer ministry needs. Since each circle of care includes a shepherding elder, deacon, and WIC rep, these leaders are able to serve as liaisons with their boards. Through the church office, the staff is also available to assist circles of care with church-wide communication needs and in other ways.
7. When and how does a circle of care end? A circle of care ends when a shepherding elder, in conversation with others who are knowledgeable of the situation, determines that a member on their shepherding list (or a regular attender that they have adopted) no longer needs a formal circle of care to help them bear their burdens.
8. What is the difference between and official/formal circle of care and an unofficial/informal circle of care? Formal circles of care are officially formed and overseen by the Session and Diaconate in partnership with WIC. Informal circles of care (e.g., within a Home Group) spring up and operate more organically and do not necessarily follow the process outlined above. Informal circles of care are strongly encouraged by the leadership of St. Paul’s. When informal circles are insufficient to meet a need, they may become formal.
9. Is training necessary to serve in a circle of care? At least once a year a combined adult Sunday School class will be held on the subject of circles of care. The whole congregation is encouraged to participate in this class. Circles of care ministry preparedness is integrated into St. Paul’s officer training and is a regular topic of discussion on our WIC board. Additionally, to serve on a circle of care, members are required to have a brief “basic training” conversation with their shepherding elder. This conversation will provide circle of care partners with an overview of best practices and orientation to St. Paul’s circles of care ministry.
10. How can St. Paul’s members participate in circles of care? There are numerous ways to be involved in circles of care. The best way to begin is by contacting your shepherding elder or the church office to inform us of your desire to be involved.