Pastoral Care
In actuality, pastoral care is a ministry of the entire body of Christ. Jesus gave us an example at the last supper of washing his disciples’ feet (John 13:12-15), and there are numerous scriptural references regarding the calling of Christians to care for one another (II Thessalonians 1:3 and Ephesians 4:16) Serving is listed as a spiritual gift in Romans 12:7 and I Peter 4:10, and I Corinthians 16:15 even mentions the family of Stepahas, that “devoted themselves to the service of the saints.”
Ordained Christian leaders are particularly called to serve their congregations. In Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples after his resurrection, he reaffirmed Peter’s ministry, by commanding him to “feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) This “feeding” is not just a matter of teaching, but of sharing the love of Christ to those who are hurting, lonely, or grieving, whether the circumstance faced is physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Recommended Reading
St. Gregory the Great. The Book of Pastoral Rule. Translated by George E. Demacopoulos. Popular Patristics Series. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2007.
Oden, Thomas C. Becoming a Minister. Classical Pastoral Care. Vol 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000.
Resources for Further Study
Stephen Ministries (Saint Louis) is an effective congregation-based training program for laypersons for the ministry of pastoral care, and is an excellent resource for training clergy, as well. [1]
