PASTORAL CARE

The essence of the Gospel is relationship. God in Christ came among us to relate to us meaningfully, lovingly, with forgiveness and the grace to effect new beginnings. His was a risk-taking grace because humankind can be so self-centred. His revelation in Christ was risk-taking for God gives us the freedom to respond to his gracious Gospel. But Christ was faithful even unto the death rendered by the very people to whom he offered loving relationship. The Church of God is called essentially to be in loving relationship with all people, seeking to proclaim in thought, word and deed God's love and forgiveness. Just as God's love is expressed in the relationship he offers to us in Christ, so it is a matter of absolute priority that the ministry of the church strives, albeit within the realities of our humanity, to be relational and Christ-like. This is not to claim any sense of self-righteousness or false station, but very much to strive to meet people in the love of Christ... with the profound and rich meaning that such a relationship implies.