Pastoral Care Ministry

At River Terrace, we administer pastoral care through the pastors and caregivers called Shepherding Elders.  Shepherding Elders serve by caring for the people in their "flock" in our community.  Shepherds know their flock by name, care for their physical and spiritual needs, and show compassion to them.  They pray diligently for each one under their care and reach out to anyone who gets lost.  They tend their flock by giving good counsel and lead them to nourishing spiritual food.  They share the joys of celebration and comfort people in their struggles and pain.  They extend hospitality, reaching out to newcomers and helping them be connected to our church community.

The pastoral care program is comprised of four geographic regions headed by regional coordinators, with an assigned elder and deacon for each region.  Shepherding Elders are assigned to districts within the regions to provide pastoral care to a group of households within their district.

Goals of Pastoral Care

Know the flock ~ each person at RTC will know and be known by his/her Pastoral Care Giver and by the church leadership.

Pray for the flock ~ each person at RTC will be prayed for.

Bring the flock together ~ each person at RTC will belong to a group in which he/she will find welcome, friendship, support, encouragement, spiritual nurture, and opportunities for service.

Strengthen the flock ~ each person at RTC will receive care and counsel during difficult times in their lives.

Bind up the wounded ~ each person at RTC will receive loving care and support in time of crisis.

Search for the lost and bring back the strays ~ no person will leave the fellowship of RTC without being noticed, contacted, and if appropriate, encouraged to return.

Pastoral Care Regional Elders & Deacons

Northeast Region Coordinator:  Diane Newman; Elder:  Dave Geers; Deacon:  Kees Beukema

Northwest Region Coordinator:  Mary Farrand; Elder:  Wendy Hofman, Deacon: Kristi Thomas

Southwest Region Coordinator:  Henry Hofstra; Elder:  Grace Kreulen; Deacon:  Jennifer Maat

Southeast Region Coordinator:  Dave VanDyk; Elder: Fluff Lamberts;  Deacon: Paul Kennon