Congregational Care
& Support
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is one of the joys of ministry.
Our staff is well-trained and welcomes the opportunity to be of spiritual support. As congregationally-based clergy, our pastors are gifted at addressing general and introductory needs, including those related to the major life events of our membership.
Part of that ministry involves being able to recognize deeper needs when they exist. Ministers also maintain connections with a wide network of local counselors for instances in which more specialized care may be beneficial. To make an appointment with one of the pastors, please contact the church office at 794-8055.
Deacon Care
Our deacons work in concert with the pastoral staff to provide care for our membership. Deacons are church members who are ordained to the calling of basic support for families and individuals throughout the various seasons of life. They visit the sick, the homebound, the hospitalized, and look after the spiritual welfare of our membership.
By staying in touch with their assigned members, they play a key role in ensuring that the pastoral staff and wider church know of the needs and life events of our fellowship. Deacons can be found praying with friends, bringing meals to homes at the arrival of a baby or loss of a loved one, and even serve communion. Serving as a deacon is a high calling; deacons are nominated and affirmed by the congregation, and generally serve three-year terms.
At Central, our deacons serve in teams of 5-7 to care for a shared group of families and individuals. We joyfully affirm that both men and women are called by God to serve as deacons.
Premarital Counseling
Couples seeking to be united in marriage with the support of our ministry staff are required to engage in premarital counseling. Premarital counseling is an educational, multi-session process facilitated by the pastor that helps couples to prepare for the covenant of marriage.
For more about weddings at Central and/or inviting one of our ministers to serve as your officiant, please contact Nicole Averette.