Pastoral Care – The ministry of caring at the heart of the church’s life. This definition, which I have borrowed from the Episcopal church, feels right. Maybe you saw last week’s blog – “When to call the pastor”. In that blog I wrote about how we can find comfort and strength in hard times by making a connection with someone who’s connection to the God who loves us is part of the package. Just connecting with a pastor in hard times and in good times can help us rejoice, mourn, and put things in perspective. But now I want to push you a bit, because I think we can get that ‘connection’ in a pastoral way from more than just the ordained clergy person you know. I think we are all called to pastoral care.
A ministry of caring is essential for the church of the 21st century. We care, as people of God, for the state of the world, for those struggling with injustice and tragedy, as well as those people we encounter weekly at worship services. All those ministries of caring look a little different, but today I want to talk about caring for people you know – in your circle of friends/acquaintances/fellow followers of Christ. In the tradition of the Lutheran church, (and many others!) we have a passing of the peace – a moment in worship to look people in the eye, shake their hand, and offer them a smile, a “Peace of the Lord” or a “great to see you” moment. Sure, it’s flawed, and imperfect, but the idea is a great one. We are a community of love – drawn together by Jesus’ command and example of love and care – the passing of the peace in church is the beginning of a section of worship that moves the focus from the pastor or preacher, and puts it squarely on the community. We are a community of caring. So, if that is true, can we widen our circle of pastoral care? Can we be more intentional about offering the ministry of caring at the heart of the life of the church? Here’s my idea.
It’s time for you to become a pastoral care giver. Yes, you. Because there are more of you! And pastoral care is a skill you can learn. When someone is lonely, you can offer presence. When someone is unable to make it to church for holy communion and prayer, you can take both to them, yourself. When people are grieving, you can sit with them, avoid saying things that dont help (like – he’s in a better place!!!), and just be a living moment of Christ’s love to them. Yes. you can do that.
So, here’s your action plan. Call your pastor, or church leadership, and tell them you want to be part of a ministry of pastoral care – the ministry of caring at the heart of the church’s life. Ask to be trained. And then be ready to be sent out – maybe you will take communion to homebound. Maybe you will call folks and encourage them. Maybe you will pray at home for people in need of prayer. Your church needs you, and God is eager to use you in this way. Really. Coincidentally, participating in a ministry like this will change YOUR life. Prayer and caring are like that. The love comes back to you when you offer it.
By the way, if you’re a Holy Cross person, call me – I can put you to work right away, offering God’s love to folks who just need a word of encouragement. Bless you, Pastor Patricia+