Family Visits

While Family Fellowship is a regular monthly gathering for all members, Family Visits are different. They are intentional, specific follow-up visits conducted by a smaller team, typically composed of some leaders together with a few other members. The visit is directed to one particular member and their family.

The purpose of a Family Visit is not routine fellowship. It is pastoral care in action – going to ascertain the real situation of a member who may be struggling, distant, or in pain.

Family Visits are triggered by specific circumstances, including but not limited to:

• When a member has been “lost” or absent for a significant period without explanation.
• When a member is facing real life challenges – financial hardship, illness, marital difficulties, or other pressing problems.
• As a follow-up after great loss – for example, a member who has recently lost a spouse, a child, or a job.
• When a member has become unavailable or less active in the activities of the ministry, and the reasons are unknown.
• When there is a suspicion that a member may be unhappy – possibly annoyed with another member, offended by something that happened in the ministry, or disillusioned with the direction of activities.
• To simply check – whether the member has any problem at all that they have not shared publicly.

The goal is never to accuse or pressure. The goal is to hold the member up – to check specifically how they are doing during a challenging period, to let them know they have not been forgotten, and to offer practical help if needed. Even when the member has pulled away without explanation, the visit communicates one powerful message: You matter to us. We noticed you were gone. We came to find you.

Matthew 25:36 – “I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”