Pastoral Care
 |
Posted on May 16, 2012, 6:11 pm
Topics: Pastoral Care
So what is Church Membership All About?
Read more » |
 |
Posted on January 30, 2012, 2:27 pm | 3 comments
Topics: Pastoral Care
It occurred to me that perhaps one way of training elders (and pastors) in the work of pastoral care is to encourage the memorizations of the psalms. And then I wondered: if we had a program of training for elders, which psalms should be memorized?
Read more » |
 |
Posted on October 31, 2011, 11:39 am
Topics: Pastoral Care
It is hard to imagine that weeds are a sign of grace, yet that’s what the Parable of the Weeds and Wheat is suggesting (Matthew 13). Everyday I drive by fields (now harvested) of various grains. The farmers I know prefer fields without weeds. Jesus words are striking...
Read more » |
 |
Posted on August 24, 2011, 12:07 am | 3 comments
Topics: Network Buzz, Pastoral Care
Confession of sin is part of the healing process. It's important to note that this does not mean that a particular sin was the cause of sickness. It does mean that when we come before the Lord with a request on our lips we also prepare to enter into the presence of God. Coming before the Lord is not a “right,” but a gift of the Lord.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on June 27, 2011, 2:35 pm | 7 comments
Topics: Pastoral Care
The elders care within the congregation is first and foremost the practice of being the presence of Christ. As representatives of Christ every strategy begins with an attitude that says “I am with you and for you.” This attitude is present long before any conversation takes place. There are at least two elements: unconditional love and
Read more » |
 |
Posted on February 21, 2011, 9:58 pm | 6 comments
Topics: Pastoral Care
Over the years, there have been shifts in the practices of the church. At one time, the answer to the question was unambiguous. Pastors gave pastoral care. But now...
Read more » |
 |
Posted on December 14, 2010, 3:42 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Pastoral Care
These people struggle with loss, fear, depression, and the pain of rejection. There is no single way to minister to them. The officebearers must become aware of such people and devise forms of ministry in keeping with their needs.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on October 19, 2010, 3:59 pm
Topics: Pastoral Care
At approximately 2:00 p.m. on November 2, 1993, my husband took his own life. That event brought me and our four children face-to-face with a death we did not understand—indeed, did not want to understand. My husband’s suicide brought us pain that was and is immeasurable. Initially, and for some time after Bill’s death, I questioned what I could have done differently. I also experienced some regrets about things said or unsaid during the last few days of his life...
Read more » |
 |
Posted on June 29, 2010, 6:52 pm | 3 comments
Topics: Pastoral Care
Trying to fix things or make them go away seldom works. But perhaps if we are willing for a moment to see the possibility of new life after the days of hardship, perhaps if we are willing to imagine that even this darkness is not too dark for God, perhaps if we can visualize that Christ can take this misery and redeem, then through all the darkness of depression there remains hope for renewal.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on June 7, 2010, 3:01 pm | 8 comments
Topics: Pastoral Care
Sometimes in our attempts to address one concern we end up communicating the wrong message. So what does “wait till marriage” mean? The intention is noble: sexual intercourse has its proper place in marriage and should be reserved for this relationship. And yet the message has unintended consequence. Among other things...
Read more » |
 |
Posted on March 29, 2010, 1:53 pm
Topics: Pastoral Care
Among the vulnerable in any congregation are people who through loss of health have diminished capabilities. Many times their limitations confine them to home or a nursing home. To care for them requires discerning ears and gentle words. In this article, Karen Mulder and Ginger Jurries share helpful pointers in our journey of care.
Read more » |
 |
Posted on March 12, 2010, 11:20 am | 2 comments
Topics: Pastoral Care
Many times in my ministry, the topic of a couple “living together” without a proper wedding is placed on the agenda of elder’s meeting. How do we provide pastoral care? What should we say? What do we think? While most agree that what is best is a deep commitment blessed by their respective families, celebrated in community, blessed by God and firmly established in law, having a couple do less raises questions. In simple terms, we wonder “How do we bring good news”?
Read more » |
|
|
Posted on January 15, 2010, 2:05 pm
Topics: Pastoral Care
Here are some pointers on visiting from Jim Dekker (pastor's network).
Hints for Visiting
Read more » |
|
|
Posted on January 9, 2010, 9:23 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Pastoral Care
People need intimacy, not answers—that is what we must remember when we are trying to comfort someone who is hurting. Unfortunately the typical response to another’s distress is to try to give answers. Our tongues swing into high speed, and we overflow with glib sayings and spiritual moralisms. Few of our words ...
Read more » |
