At some point in life, everyone travels a difficult journey or situation. Whether it be grief, depression, loss, sickness, loneliness or more, people sometimes travel this path alone, not having anyone they feel they can turn to.
Pastoral care can take many different forms in the church. It’s far more than just “caregiving”, it provides for many different people in various aspects of life both in and outside of the church. Continue reading to learn more about pastoral care and its role in today’s world.
Explore: Pastoral Care Then and Now
Pastoral care dates back to the New Testament, where many indications state that the early church was caring for its members as individuals through the Christian community (Acts 5 and 6). Pastoral care has always held special importance in Christian communities. Many state that pastoral care in the early days of the church was shaped through biblical and theological perspectives, which carries through today.
One of the biggest differences between pastoral care then and now is that there is a much greater investment in the care given and received today, as pastoral care goes far beyond inside the church. Rather than praying for the sick or others in the church, pastoral care is given and received in hospitals, nursing homes, personal residences and anywhere that someone may reside that wishes for spiritual guidance, prayer or care.
Another difference is that pastoral care was only provided by men early on. For more than six decades in The United Methodist Church, women have had full clergy rights, allowing women and men the opportunity to serve in their ministry and Methodist teachings through pastoral care.
Why is Pastoral Care Needed Now More Than Ever?
Today’s world faces family and relationship turmoil, injustices, increased isolation and loneliness, a lack of community and overall divide. Social media, the global pandemic, heightened political divisions and increased violence all could be considered parts of the suffering occurring in people’s lives.
The increased polarization is affecting people every day, and our communities are hurting, with some feeling like they have no one to confide in. In fact, a study published in the American Sociological Review states that the average person in the U.S. only has one close friend, whereas one in four people report they have no confidantes at all.
Churches have witnessed a divide and a decrease in attendance, elder numbers and new church openings. However, pastoral care can help those who feel they have no one to turn to. Even if someone is hurting and is unable to attend worship; even if they haven’t been to church in a while; even if they feel like they’ve neglected or gotten lost in their faith; pastoral care can help guide and heal suffering.
What is Expected of Pastoral Care Practices?
Pastoral care provides spiritual aid in many aspects. Pastoral care is an essential part of ministry for those to serve the local church and serve through Christ’s love and justice and provides emotional, social and spiritual support for those in need or who are suffering a crisis alone. This care and support can also provide nurturing through prayer. The main practices of pastoral care include:
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Spiritual care. Simply put, spiritual care is attending to a person’s spiritual or religious needs as they cope with pain, loss, loneliness or illness by helping them heal physically and emotionally and regain their sense of spiritual well-being.
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Healing ministry. Those that are ordained or elders in the United Methodist Church may include healing prayer in their worship services. The healing ministry may take place at Holy Communion or may be offered weekly, monthly or quarterly, and those who can attend worship are invited to participate and slowly heal with others.
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Assistance with trauma. Through times of pain and crisis, pastoral care can offer support, prayer, discussions, spiritual guidance and more to help create ongoing communication.
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Praying with and for others. Prayer during times of sickness, hurting and healing can be extremely powerful and comforting. Pastoral care offers a safe space to pray with those in their own location and who may not be able to physically attend worship.
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Biblical counseling. Using the Bible as a guide and a reference, pastoral care can aid in one’s spiritual journey, whether they want to further it or they may have lost their way and are ready to continue their spiritual pathway.
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Bereavement. Throughout life, we all experience loss and grief. Pastoral care can aid in bereavement services, such as meeting with someone one-on-one or holding weekly or monthly sessions, by assisting people who are rebuilding or continuing their life through prayer.
Each of these responsibilities and duties play an important role in pastoral care, as pastoral care can serve the needs of many different people, such as:
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The sick and homebound
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Those who feel lost or lonely
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The forgotten and marginalized
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Those who are grieving
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People suffering mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety or PTSD
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Those who have been abused, mistreated or suffer from a traumatic event
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Those who want to strengthen their faith.
A skilled pastoral care professional will also recognize when to refer someone to a trained mental health professional with more specialized skills.
Is Providing Pastoral Care the Right Fit for Your Skillset?
You may be wondering if you should take the needed steps to provide pastoral care in your church and your community. Take a step back and ask yourself these questions:
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Do you possess Christian leadership skills that can help spiritually guide others?
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Are you passionate about your faith and living out God’s word?
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Do you have the gifts needed to care for and assist others?
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Do your God-given gifts mentally and emotionally affect and connect with others in a meaningful and positive way?
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Do you want to help others find peace, hope and love through God’s word and spiritual guidance?
If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you may consider continuing your personal ministry through pastoral care. Clergy members and leaders can participate in providing pastoral care. In fact, more than 1,700 United Methodist clergy have been endorsed to answer God’s call by taking their ministry beyond the church.
Attend Theology School to Deepen Your Pastoral Care Training at Perkins
At Perkins School of Theology, we are a diverse community that welcomes all Christian voices. Throughout your time at Perkins, we will strive to help you discern, utilize and test your gifts, guiding you and equipping you with the skills needed to practice pastoral care, and answer your call to ministry.
We honor your unique worth, and offer many different pathways and graduate degrees to continue growing your vocational goals and invite you to explore them.
If you’re looking for more guidance, our team is happy and ready to speak to you about your potential new journey. Please feel free to schedule a meeting with us.
Discover and learn more about discerning your call through theology school by downloading our interactive guide, Discerning Your Call to Ministry: Is a Theology Degree Your Next Step?
