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.
This year, it will be 50 years since Sarah Condie made the decision to follow Jesus. And over this time, she has tried to improve her skills and abilities in offering this type of care. In this resource, Sarah seeks to distil for you what she has learned.
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.
Looking for your next read? Check out the ADM team’s favourites—there’s classics and new releases to help you build a safe and strong marriage.
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).
It’s in times like these that I long for Jesus to return and for the horror to be over. No more tears, pain, suffering, despair. That will be a good day. For the moment, we need glimpses of hope.
We all know that when we visit a doctor to determine if we’re healthy, the doctor measures our heart rate & blood pressure, and assesses other factors to make a determination. Sarah Condie believes healthy churches have similar measures we can use as we try to discern where God’s calling us.
