Our

Care + Support

Care

We want to support you during this time

We all walk through difficult seasons — illness, financial stress, broken relationships, loss, or grief. But even in those moments, God is at work. He uses every experience to shape us and draw us closer to His heart.

At ENCOUNTER we believe that transformation, hope, and healing are found in Christ. And He designed the church to be a community where we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether you need prayer, a listening ear, or support from one of our pastors, staff, or caring members, there are people here who want to walk with you. We’re here to remind you that no matter what you’re facing, there is hope.

Counseling Resources PDF GUIde
Encourager Ministry

Encourager Ministry

Providing prayer and compassionate presence through one of three ministry teams:

Homebound Team - Shares in communion, prayer, and fellowship with those unable to attend church in person.
Hospital Team - Visits and prays with individuals in the hospital or recovering from surgery.
Grief Care Team - Offers comfort and support to those walking through seasons of loss.

If you know someone in need of encouragement, please complete the form

If you have questions or are interested in volunteering on our Encouragers Team, please contact us at care@encounterlife.org.

Treasured Harvest

Treasured Harvest Ministry

This ministry brings church to the Migrant Farm Workers and their children within our county many of whom have never heard the Gospel! We use the small community rooms in their mobile home parks where they live and/or bring tents and set up Church if there are no facilities. We bring Embrace! Simply Jesus to them and teach about the love of Jesus to the parents and at-risk children.

If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry, please complete this form

If you have questions regarding this ministry, please contact us at care@encounterlife.org.

Widows Ministry

Widows Ministry

Did you know that out of every 20 homes in a typical American neighborhood, 3-5 widows may be living alone? That's a powerful reminder of the silent need all around us.

Do you know a widow in need? Let us know here

Are you interested in joining our Widows Ministry as a volunteer? Let us know here

Do you have feedback from a recent widow ministry visit? Fill out this form

If you have questions, please contact us at care@encounterlife.org.

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery

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Real Talk

Real Talk

Real Talk is a monthly small group designed for middle and high school students to explore what the Bible says about mental health and how faith intersects with real life challenges. It's safe, judgment-free space where students can only share their struggles-whether it's anxiety, relationships, addiction, or anything else on their hearts.

Real Talk meets from 5-6:30pm on most first Wednesdays of the month. The remainder of the schedule is as follows:
1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6

Real Talk Rules are mandatory to continue to make Real talk a safe and honest space:


1. What is heard at Real Talk stays at Real Talk.
2. Who attends Real Talk is not talked about outside of the group.
3. No judgmental comments are allowed to be made.
4. No trying to give advice or fix anyone's problems.
5. All leaders are mandated reporters, so if something is of concern for your safety or the safety of others, we are required to share with the parents and any other agency required dependent on the circumstance.

If you have questions, please contact us at care@encounterlife.org.

Mercy Seat

Mercy Seat

Join Mercy Seat as we pray for ENCOUNTER. Some listen and pray silently and some pray aloud. We all pray for ENCOUNTER ministries, groups, events, leadership, and staff.

We meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays (except holidays) in the Auditorium.
12:45-1pm: Fellowship
1-2pm: Prayer

For more information contact
Tamara Dowling 661-903-0696 or tamaradowling@gmail.com

Hospital Visits

Hospital Visits

If you or someone you care for has been hospitalized, don’t hesitate to call on our church body for support. Ask your small group or leader for prayer and support. We also have a hospital visitation team - please complete this form

Funerals

Funerals

f you would like to have a memorial service at the church, we are able to provide a pastor and reception coordination if needed. If you would like to have a funeral off-site, we are able to assist you in making those arrangements. Please contact us at 805-656-7766 or care@encounterlife.org.

Meals Ministry

Meals Ministry

We have an army of volunteers who would love to provide meals to those who have recently experienced a life-altering event (birth, death, illness, injury, etc). Please get in touch with our Care Coordinator for more information.

Prayer

How can we pray
for you?

At ENCOUNTER our three essentials are Encountering God, Encouraging Each Other, and Engaging the World. At the foundation of all these practices is prayer. We have different opportunities for you to connect with others for prayer and we hope you’ll join us!

Join Our Prayer Team

Join us in our online space to confidentially share requests and pray with your ENCOUNTER church family.

Join Our Facebook Prayer Group

We have a team of people that pray for the incoming prayer requests weekly. Please fill out the form, and your request will be forwarded to our prayer team. You can also text your prayer requests to us.

Text (805) 665-3455
Prayer Request
Support

Find God's perspective in the midst of crisis

Whether you are coping with a chronic illness or an addiction, divorce or loss of a loved-one, you will find compassionate care in one of the many supports groups we offer throughout the year.

Griefshare

Griefshare is a 14-week class with a trained grief counselor and a few others who are journeying through the loss of a loved one.

Grief Coaching

Grief Coaching involves one-on-one support, understanding, care and comfort, tools for achieving joy and fulfillment, and vision for the future. Grief is a process to work through; that’s why it’s called ‘grief work.’ Having a knowledgeable coach to walk with arm-in-arm can be a valuable way to learn how to grieve. For class info or to meet one-on-one, contact Debi Dixon, Grief Coach, at (805) 766-4071.

Care Ministry Leaders/Volunteer

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We have ASL interpretation available for the 9 AM service

CONTACT ADDRESS 6950 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA 93003

GENERAL INQUIRIES info@encounterlife.org