When you’re helping grieving Christians, it’s important to remember that they’re doing more than grieving their loved one’s death. They’re also evaluating their response to their loved one’s death. They’re wondering, Am I grieving like a Christian should? Do my feelings of despair indicate a lack of faith? Am I being a bad example to others who look up to me? I believe in what … [Read more...]
Safe person: How to respond when people open up to you
Most people like to help others and that is a good thing, because we are surrounded by hurting people every day. They may be in your small group or Bible study, over your backyard fence, or in line at the store. The people in your circle of influence may share with you the difficulties and trials they have going on in their lives because their burden is too heavy to bear … [Read more...]
5 beliefs that make pastoral care more challenging
Sometimes our beliefs about pastoral ministry hinder our effectiveness. As I have interacted with pastors, elders, and deacons—from a wide range of Christian denominations—I have heard a few beliefs about pastoral care that actually undermine pastors’ commitment to shepherd God’s people. It’s not that these people are wanting to shirk their responsibilities; they just haven’t … [Read more...]
When your “to-dos” are longer than your time: A secret to balancing high-needs members and ministry demands
Every church has a few of them—members or regular attenders who require more of your time and the church’s resources. Maybe it’s: Carol, the single mom who frequently needs help with parenting her rebellious teenage son Gary, the divorced guy whose ex-wife is turning his kids against him, and as a result, he needs a lot of encouragement Aaron, the young adult in … [Read more...]
What is CareLeader.org?
“Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.’” Exod. 18:17–18 ESV If you enjoy pastoral care, or you struggle with it, you weren’t designed to do it alone (Eph. 4:11–12). But realizing that doesn’t make your pastoral … [Read more...]