Pastoral Care
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Pastoral Care is the lifeblood of a congregation. It keeps us strong, vital, and able to offer a place where rest and refuge are celebrated as part of God’s provision. Pastoral care is a piece of what Jesus called us to do when he said, “Love one another as I have loved you.”
There will come a time in each of our lives that we will be in need of pastoral care. There will also come a time when each of us are able to offer pastoral care to others in our congregation. This is the give and take of living in community, and is a blessing from God.
Staff-led Pastoral Care
While all of our ministers provide pastoral care, Kyle Matthews is the minister on staff responsible for coordinating the pastoral care ministries of the church. When not spending time with people or organizing enrichment events, he gives direction to teams, networks with support groups, and makes counseling referrals. All the ministers on staff are present for our weekly Care & Concern meeting where we coordinate pastoral visits, send out cards to those who are healing, struggling, or celebrating something special in their lives, and pray for those concerns of which we are aware. We also give consideration to the need every member has to find a place to be a care-giver and not a care-receiver only, so they can know the fulfillment that can only come from a ministry of mutuality.
On-Call Minister
Every week there is a different minister that is “on-call” especially for serious needs that arise outside of normal church hours. You can leave a message for the minister-on-call at (864) 233-2527 x.199 and they will return your call as soon as they can, or find the on-call schedule and the proper minister’s phone number listed on the last page of The Branch.
Upcoming Events
Congregational Care
Member to Member Care
Find Your Place of Ministry
We have a number of lay-led ministries at our church where members share the love of Christ with their fellow congregants in tangible ways. These teams include Visitation, Caregiver Support, Rides to Worship and Medical Appointments, Midweek Meal Delivery, Bereavement Meal Delivery, Flowers to Friends, Funeral Ushers, Grief Support, Pheobe Fellowships, Counseling and Support Group referrals. Contact us soon about finding the best fit for your gifts!
Stephen Ministry
One-to-One Christian Care When You Need It
Our Stephen Ministry program is comprised of church members who have been extensively trained to provide love and support to congregants who are going through some difficulty in their life including, but not limited to, divorce, terminal illness, grief, job loss or infertility. The Stephen Ministry program operates independently of the church staff and maintains strict confidentiality for those it offers ministry to.
What is a Stephen Minister?
How Does It Work?
This is intensive caregiving: Stephen Ministers typically meet with their care receivers once a week, offering a consistent and supportive presence over time. All care is confidential and free—offered with no pressure, no judgment, and no expectation other than walking with you in faith.
Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists.
They are trained Christian caregivers—there to listen, care, pray, and encourage.
How Do I Receive Help from a Stephen Minister?
Referrals for Stephen Ministry can be made by contacting our Stephen Leaders through the church office, by email, or using the confidential form below: