Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care
Christ-Centered Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is the practice of actively tending to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the church body by providing support, guidance, and comfort through personal interactions, visits during times of crisis, and taking time to listen to those who are hurting. The aim of pastoral care is to nurture and strengthen the community of believers within the church.
Overall, the goal of pastoral care is to foster a sense of belonging, community, and spiritual well-being within the church by actively caring for its members.
Pastoral care is fundamentally a relationship that involves a ministry of compassionate presence. This was how Jesus cared for all people, especially those who were hurting or in need. Pastoral care enables healing and growth to take place within individuals and their relationships.
Jesus is the focus, the lens through which we understand pastoral care. He is the Good Shepherd, the Truth, and the Gate. He secures, protects, and ultimately gave His life for His sheep.
“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep… I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.’” (John 10:7-11, NIV)
He instructs us to care for one another, to love one another, and to tend to His sheep.
“Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs… Take care of my sheep… Feed my sheep.’” (John 21:15-17, NIV)
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“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11
Pastoral Care Leader
As Pastoral Care Coordinator at Church of the Word International, Lancaster, Troy Pfoutz and the pastoral care team meet people where they are. Troy coordinates the spiritual and emotional care of individuals within the church body by identifying needs, connecting with those in need, and facilitating pastoral care initiatives to address those needs, including during times of crisis, illness, or life transitions like births, deaths, or significant changes.
While attending CWI, Lancaster, Troy has served in a number of different capacities. He taught in children’s church for several years, continues to serve on the greeting team, and has enjoyed leading a home group for the last five years.
In addition to his role at CWI, Troy is the President of an international mission organization called Ghana Initiative. He has been an administrator, director, and now president of Ghana Initiative since 2013.
Troy has been married to Rebecca Pfoutz for 35 years and together they have two children and four beautiful granddaughters. Prior to retirement, Troy was a public school teacher for 33 years. Teaching, preaching, and sharing the gospel are his greatest passions.
