The Faith Nurture Forum provides direct pastoral care for those in ministry, and resources congregations in the pastoral care they offer their communities.
Presbytery Chaplains
Our team of four experienced chaplains is available to meet confidentially with anyone in ministry on a regular or ad hoc basis. If you would like to speak to a chaplain, please contact the Presbytery Office. (EdinburghWestLothian@churchofscotland.org.uk)
MDS Network
There is a support network for Ministries Development Staff and locally employed ministry staff. For more information, please contact the Mission Coordinator. (Kenneth.Brown@churchofscotland.org.uk)
Pastoral Supervision
Those serving in ministry in the Presbytery can take up an offer of six group sessions of pastoral supervision per year. You can find out more about pastoral supervision here. (Link to ‘The Value of Pastoral Supervision in Ministry’ PDF) If you would like to join a pastoral supervision group, or take part in a taster session to find out if it is for you, please contact the Presbytery Office. (EdinburghWestLothian@churchofscotland.org.uk)
Other Pastoral Support for Those in Ministry
Additional pastoral support, including counselling, supervision, coaching, spiritual accompaniment and retreat can be accessed confidentially through Ascend. (https://ascend.churchofscotland.org.uk/support/)
Pastoral Care Resources
The following resources for pastoral care may be helpful in your congregation:
- Learn Pastoral Care (https://churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/learn/publications/pastoral-care)
- Diverse Gender Identities and Pastoral Care (https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/resources/learn/publications/diverse-gender-identities-and-pastoral-care)
- Reflections on pastoral care from Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfYCDYsNcck&list=PLcE1-KuB42WJvXs2TChV_8Nxi9JlwMoxT&index=2)