Pastoral Care. Literally

I continue to be blown away, as I go about my day simply open to what God would connect, as I think about a million different things. Some of it personal life. Some of it perspective on the world around me. Time in prayer. Thoughts about church life and leadership as it pertains to this blog. And yesterday afternoon, still having no idea for what you are about to read, something triggered in the terminology "Pastoral Care" ministry. About 2 seconds later, the connection was made. So often, in an Associate role, a pastoral post exists within a church, for a "care" ministry. Home visits, hospital visitations, family situations and those in dire circumstances and situations where they find themselves in need of help in some way.

So, what do we call those who care for pastors?

Is the body of Christ more interested in coming to church to be a consumer rather than a contributor?

(I should almost quit right there and start typing the prayer... which if I knew what it was already)

Sorry; not sorry if that question stung for a moment. But seriously people... there are many factors for pastors and missionaries burning out.

Marital problems, because nobody is covering their marriage in prayer like we ask for ours.
Kids in trouble... because: no prayer
Financial difficulties... because: I give enough. God will provide for them.
No friends... they have lots of friends; plus I'm not "in their circle"
Criticism... should I be offended?
Attendance... if only our schedules weren't so packed, we'd be at church more often.

Maybe if you were in church more often, the schedules would come into alignment. We keep forgetting and returning; like a broken cycle... the reminder:

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness AND all these things shall be given to you. 

We don't seek the kingdom to get the blessing. But there is a blessing that comes by keeping "the things" of life secondary to the kingdom of God and taking a stand for righteousness.

Easy to say. Fairly easy to do. Right up until you get out of bed. Then it will be the challenge of the day. Not the hardest thing of the day. But it will be the battle that lasts all day, because if you can go all day not having sought God; then you are one step further away. Which is the plan, by the way... to distract, detour and derail your life. And the life of Pastors and those in ministry everywhere.

Thus, we pray this #associatePastorTuesday... that God would work in the hearts and minds of congregations to do a better job caring for their pastors. Pray that there would be rising up of support for our pastors and church leaders, in times when the number of Christian leaders willing to take a stand for righteousness is on the decline. Pray for a boldness to preach the whole counsel of God and a compassion to meet people at their point of need; not in condemnation, but in love... that cares too much let people remain as they are. Pray for marriages, families, finances and friendships... that pastors would be strengthened in the challenges they face outside the pulpit and the four walls of the church. May they sense, even today, a love and support from the body of Christ; as you join with me and other readers in sharing and joining our mission... to #pray4pastors daily.

Caring for Pastors through the avenue of prayer.
Believing God will work the miraculous; bringing them back from the brink of burnout.
For the glory of God and His righteousness.
May it be done on earth, as we seek first, His kingdom.

- PNC

---