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Trinity Lutheran Child Learning Center

Pastoral Care

Jesus gives life and forgiveness, this is Good News. Whether in times of blessing or in times of trial, people in every circumstance need this gospel, this Good News. There is salvation and comfort is no one else and so the Lord Jesus earnestly desires us to cast every care on Him. He has promised to hear our prayers and care for us through Word and Sacrament, and through those whom He has given to support, encourage, and build up in every need.

People typically contact their pastor for major life events (e.g., upcoming wedding, baptism, funeral), but there are many other good reasons to get in touch.

Contact your Pastor When

A new family member is born.
When a baby is born, your pastor is delighted to pray for the family, speak with mom and dad about Holy Baptism, and offer the support of the congregation to mom and dad.
Holy Baptism is desired.
Whether the person is a new baby or coming to faith later in life, your pastor is happy to teach and counsel about the wonderful gifts of God given in Holy Baptism.
Entering into Holy Marriage and thanking God for anniversaries.
God places husbands and wives into Holy Marriage. Your pastor delights to prepare couples both young and old for the blessings and responsibilities of marriage. He is also glad to help give thanks with a couple whom God has joined for one year, five years, or more! He can pray for you, come to your celebration, and even have a short ceremony in the church.
You desire a house blessing
It is fitting that the homes of Christians be blessed by the Word of God and prayer. Your pastor can come when a new home is occupied, when a family member moves to another home, and even following tragedy in the home.
You or a loved one is going into the hospital.
Whether it’s a “routine” operation or an emergency visit, your pastor can plan to visit you, a family member, or a friend with God’s Word of comfort. He can also keep you in his prayers.
You would like a prayer said for you or someone you know.
Your pastor is always happy to pray for and with others, and our almighty and merciful God answers prayer! Please let the pastor know if you would like a prayer said publicly during the Divine Service; otherwise, he will keep it confidential. If the prayer is for someone else, please ask his or her permission first before requesting a public prayer.
Your conscience is troubling you.

God doesn’t leave us alone to struggle with temptation and guilt. He invites us to confess our sin and receive His forgiveness. You can confess your sin to your pastor in confidence and freely receive God’s forgiveness and absolution delivered to you personally. You’re welcome to come to confession even if no particular sin is troubling you.

You’re wrestling with a spiritual issue or have a question about something the Bible says.
Questions often come up when you’re talking about religion with coworkers and friends, reading or studying the Bible, or listening to a sermon. Your pastor loves to discuss God’s Word and wants to see you grow in your understanding of it.
You’re facing a challenging decision or are dealing with difficult life circumstances.
What should a Christian do in such situations? Your pastor will be happy to listen and help you think through your issue, pointing to relevant insights from God’s Word. If your challenge is beyond his expertise, he can refer you to others who might be able to help.
You’re not able to come to church for a prolonged period of time.
Your pastor can make a home visit for a devotion and prayer, and if you so desire, the Lord’s Supper. Your pastor wants you to stay connected to God’s Word and his Sacrament. We’re all in constant need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
A young family member is going to college or relocating for other reasons
A young family member is going to college or relocating for other reasons and needs to find a church in the new location. Pastors are happy to do what they can to help young people stay connected.
You know someone who wants to know more about Jesus.
Your pastor would love to meet with him or her to share the hope that we have in Christ. You might offer to introduce this person to your pastor. This can make the opportunity a little less intimidating for someone who isn’t used to talking with a pastor.
You have an issue in your marriage that you’re having difficulty resolving.
If an issue in your marriage seems particularly troublesome, there could be an underlying spiritual issue. Often people wait until their marriage drastically deteriorates before seeking help. A Christian marriage needs to be rooted in God’s Word and built on His love. It’s good to be reminded of God’s love, especially as it applies to you, your spouse, and your relationship. (This counsel really applies to any strained relationship.)
You have a question, concern, or suggestion about something at church.
Many questions can be cleared up easily by simply asking. Likewise, if you have a concern about something at church or have a suggestion, let your pastor know. He might not be able to implement every suggestion, but your input matters.

If you are not currently being served by any pastor, feel free to contact one of our pastors. They would be happy to listen and talk with you.

Needing Pastoral Care?

You are welcome to use the form below, contact the Church Office, or contact our Pastors directly.

Request

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Brief Counsel for the Suffering and Afflicted

In his book Seed Grains of Prayer, A Manual for Evangelical Christians, Pastor Löhe provides prayers for every day of the week, the liturgical week, Church year, special occasions and more.

Download Now

Additional Resources

Mid-Missouri Lutheran Hospital Ministry

The apostle Paul penned the insight inspired to him by the Holy Spirit, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Romans 10:15. It is for this purpose that this ministry exists, bringing good news of hope and encouragement to those who are hospitalized and in a time of need. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, our Lutheran hospital chaplain makes the rounds of the 9 hospitals in Columbia, Missouri.

The hospitals provide him with the names and room numbers of any patient who have identified themselves as Lutherans. The chaplain visits them in their rooms, bringing the Good News of the Gospel and the hope and encouragement found in the promises of God’s word.
Rev. Dave Spotts serves as the Chaplain and he may be contacted via phone at 573-219-7491 or by email at midmolhm@gmail.com.

Need a Listening Ear?

St. Paul writes to the Galatians: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (6:2). Stephens equips lay people to provide on-to-one Christian care to members of our congregation who are experiencing difficulty in their lives. If you would like to learn more about receiving care from a Stephen caregiver, please contact Pastor Thieme, Joanna McDowell (djajfamily@gmail.com or 573-881-4138), or pick up a yellow information pamphlet and contact card in the Narthex. Learn more about the work of Stephen Ministry.

Stephen Caregivers multiply blessings throughout the church and community.

  • Congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12)
  • Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to provide care to hurting people.
  • Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
  • People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.

GriefShare

The loss of a loved one or knowing someone who has lost a loved one can bring about a time of struggle and raise spiritual questions. It is also a blessed time to be sustained and equipped with the comfort and promise that our Lord has defeated death for us. Christians grieve, too, but we do not grieve as those without hope: Jesus’ resurrection is the sure and certain promise of our own resurrection. Grief Share helps those grieves move through the grief process and learn what to expect in the days and months after the loss of a loved one.

A GriefShare group regularly meets at Trinity. Please visit GriefShare’s website for more information, please contact Mr. Kevin Burns, 573-424-7514.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:6-11