So, what is pastoral care? The biblical picture is not so much about providing emotional or physical care and support but rather offering encouragement and guidance that enables others to grow in Christ. At its heart, it involves the ministry of God’s word, the place of prayer, and setting an example in godly living. This blueprint, created by my husband, Keith, offers a biblical and theological framework to guide what you are doing. It’s not a precise set of instructions, such as I use when baking a cake or making a quilt. Rather, it shapes the mindset and practices I bring to pastoral encounters.
–Sarah Condie
In the Bible, ‘pastor’ = shepherd. God uses leaders in the Christian community to care for, protect, and feed his flock. (e.g. John 10:14, Psalm 23, Is 40:11). Notice the language of love, care, provision, protection, guidance, and presence found in these verses.
The New Testament suggests that the three crucial features of the pastoral role are: (1) the ministry of the word, (2) prayer, and (3) setting an example of godly living (e.g. Acts 6:4; 20:17-35; 1 Thes 2:1-12; 1 Tim 4:6-16). This means that ‘pastoral care’ is not simply about responding to problems and helping people feel better. Fundamentally, it’s seeking to present everyone mature in Christ (Col 1:28). Our goal is holiness, not happiness.
Theological truth informs every human circumstance. At the heart of many pastoral difficulties are misunderstandings of the character of God and the adequacy of Christ. The word of God speaks to these. This means that regular study of the word of God, with due attention to its implications, will constantly be speaking into the concerns of people’s lives.
We are embodied beings and some difficulties have much more to do with our physiology and psychological makeup than our spiritual life. Although physical and emotional struggles have spiritual consequences, we need to be alert to the complexity of human functioning and not opt for simplistic solutions. Wise pastoral practice will be alert to when medical, psychological and other forms of assistance are required.
The intellect has a vital place in Christian faith. And certain practices are indicative of a deep grasp of Christian truth. But knowing information and performing Christian duties does not equate to Christian maturity. We always do what we really want to do, which means that our behaviour is driven by our loves – ‘what the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies’ (Ashley Null). A deep knowledge of who God is and what he has done for us is the engine room of Christian living. The more that the truth of God’s extraordinary love for us in Christ gets under our skin, the more it shapes our hearts and transforms our lives.
It’s what God has done outside of us that saves us. This means that our standing with God does not depend upon our achievements, our performance, our abilities, or anything else. Yet being made in God’s image and welcomed into his family as his beloved children means that we are of enormous value and dignity. Understanding these truths enables us to move through life with an appropriate self-regard without being self-absorbed. It strengthens us to humbly serve others. Focus more upon the consolations of grace than the demands of grace. We all need to be refreshed by the wonderful truths about God and his gospel. So much of our engagement with Scripture is not about new learning but being reminded of what we already know.
If we really believe that God is our loving heavenly Father and is sovereign, we will grasp the importance of prayer. In prayer we demonstrate our trust and draw upon the resources of God. Note the concern of the apostles to be devoted to prayer (Acts 6:4) and how the apostle Paul’s letters reveal how central prayer is to his ministry.
Much learning and growth takes place by seeing the Christian life modelled by others. 1 Tim 4:12 – ‘Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.’ In the Pastoral Epistles, when the apostle Paul outlines the qualities essential to Christian leadership, his focus is on character not gifts.
God created a world marked by consistency and order. Life works best when lived in accord with his wise order. But the uniqueness of individuals and circumstances means that responses to pastoral concerns cannot be formulaic. It takes wisdom to know what is loving and helpful in any specific context (see Phil 1:9-10; Eph 5:8-11; Rom 12:1-2).
We may desire to see real change in people’s lives, but we cannot make anyone do anything. There is great comfort in the truth that ‘God gives the growth’ (I Cor 3:6). This truth enables us to dedicate ourselves to serving others faithfully without being crushed when the outcome is not as we would wish.
We don’t do pastoral care alone. We are part of a dynamic functioning body; as each part does its work, the body is built up (Eph 4:16). Col 1:28 describes the apostolic ministry in terms of ‘admonishing and teaching’, but this is also what believers do for each other as the word of Christ dwells richly in their midst (Col 3:16).
Love is about meeting the needs (not wants) of others. There are many ways to do good (cf. Gal 6:10). Christian love might involve cooking a meal, providing a listening ear, accompanying someone to an appointment, speaking God’s truth into a situation, or a host of other things. Love takes effort; psychiatrist Scott Peck suggests that the opposite of love is not hate, but laziness.
‘To answer before listening – that is folly and shame’ (Prov 18:13). ‘A hurting heart has no ears.’ When people share a need or concern, most of the time they are met with one of three responses: (1) a judgment is made; (2) a solution is offered; or (3) the concern is ignored or avoided. But listening with empathy conveys genuine love and can be a first step toward someone being able to move forward.
Jesus shows us that authentic ministry is about humble service (Phil 2:5-11; Mark 10:45). But don’t wait until your motives are completely pure – that will never happen. Rather, step out and seek to love others in the best way you can. Love is about the good of our neighbour; not how good our heart is.
Many people are resistant to change, even when change is in their best interests. And it is very difficult to change someone’s mind by arguing with them – arguments normally strengthen a person in the position they already hold. Change is more possible when people feel safe. This is why loving relationships provide a fruitful context to bring real change.
God has made us relational beings and social connections are good for our physical, emotional, mental & spiritual wellbeing. Loneliness is as dangerous to our health as smoking. The relational network in a church and small group brings spiritual and other benefits. Note the ‘one another’ language in the New Testament that highlights the mutual support we are called to.
Jesus Christ is the answer to life’s deepest needs. Trusting him and submitting to his Lordship is the way to true life. Keep him at the forefront of all you do. Lives are not changed by telling people to change, but by reminding them that Christ has changed everything.
–Rev. Dr Keith Condie.
“I don’t know how to relate. What will I say? I don’t understand them!” Have you thought this about a different generation? This article from Amy Yeung suggests a framework that could help us care well, no matter what generation someone is from.
Pastoral care takes place in many different contexts and capacities. You might offer care to those in your family, your friendship network and your church community. A toolbox of resources can equip you in these various contexts and roles.
Caring is not so much about fixing a need or solving a problem – it’s about showing up and being there as a willing servant of Christ. It lets another know they are seen and valued.
How do you usually respond to someone who is wrestling with spiritual concerns? We’re likely to listen, pray, offer care, counsel, and comfort from God’s word. But (very) occasionally, this is entirely the wrong approach. That’s because the need for ongoing reassurance may indicate an underlying mental health condition known as scrupulosity – a sub-type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
“I don’t know how to relate. What will I say? I don’t understand them!” Have you thought this about a different generation? This article from Amy Yeung suggests a framework that could help us care well, no matter what generation someone is from.
Pastoral care takes place in many different contexts and capacities. You might offer care to those in your family, your friendship network and your church community. A toolbox of resources can equip you in these various contexts and roles.
Caring is not so much about fixing a need or solving a problem – it’s about showing up and being there as a willing servant of Christ. It lets another know they are seen and valued.
