In a recent post on his self-named blog, Chuck Lawless wrote this:
Let’s face it, church leaders. Some of us much prefer preaching over pastoral care. Others love pastoral care, but not all of us. Some do it because our role demands it, but that doesn’t mean we always enjoy it.
To read Chuck’s post, click here and feel free to add your comments in the box below. For a post on GCI’s Surprising God blog that addresses the theology of pastoral ministry, click here.
For me, it was because I care for people that I followed the call to become a pastor. It was the preaching that almost made me not become a pastor (well, more the fear of preaching to be honest 🙂 ). Finding the balance between the two and seeing the incredible opportunities God has opened up because “care” and preaching are part of the same profession has made these last few years more than worth it! I recommend pastoral care and/or counseling classes to any pastor – they are just as important for continued education as theology and biblical studies courses.
I was brought up to respect my elders and to care for the sick and needy. That was just part of life which has also translated into pastoral care of everyone — whether they are in the hospital or not. At the same time, that care comes directly from ministering with Jesus (big advertisement here for Andrew Purves’s books, The Crucifixion / The Resurrection of Ministry).
I do some of that work personally and some of it I ask, and have worked at equipping, other wise and caring members to do — whether they are ‘elders’ or not. Some of this work, of course, I’m just flat unequipped to do, so I recommend they see qualified professionals. But I always pray and care for them as best I can find and work with Jesus, even in those cases. I must help the person recognize his love, not just insist they seek technical help.
Way too broad to fully address, but an important topic. I found pastoral care fit my temperament quite well. I think realizing that most people just need listening to as much as “counseled” really helps. Then there are those 15% of people who will take 85% of your time unless you set boundaries. There are always EGRs (extra grace required) but you can’t allow a person to monopolize you. There are a few around that H B London calls “joy suckers” because they remain so negative and “play the same tapes” over and over. But most of care giving is a joyous thing when done in faith, you provide only what you can, refer if you must, and trust God to work with the person apart from you. JR