Grace Moment by Moment-monthly column
A Theological and Practical Approach to Pastoral Care
A Better Understanding of Pastoral Care
Over the course of this class, I have listened, observed, processed and absorbed what I believe God is saying to me concerning the ministry of pastoral care. That is, in order to stand for Him, be His Light and His physical presence I must do so in participation with other believers. Alone, I am weakened, divided within and without, my actions on behalf of Him, become superficial and inefficient. When united, arm-in-arm with other believers near and far, the support structure put in place by God, holds up the weaker members, and equals, then multiplies, the output of all.
If one member resists God’s leading, that person jeopardizes not only themselves but everyone around them, by succumbing to the very darkness they were initially fighting. This domino effect inflicts collateral damage that can make the whole structure weaken.
For example, I counseled a lady named Tara during a time she experienced ill health and depression. Initially, she tried to hide, and then denied what was going on. When confronted through several people (myself included) with the Sovereign reality of God’s love, she acted out and became defensive. Still, people continued to pray and encourage her. There was a point in her struggles with health issues where she landed flat on her back in bed, too sick to move. At that time she repented and God brought back part of her health, for which she praises Him. But she still has doubts, broken trust issues, and some residual resistance to God’s leading, due in part to a perceived delay of God’s promise to restore her health completely. She like all of us, continually battles with the darkness as it seeks to deepen its hold through unhealthy bad habits, or erratic, questioning behavior. The only way victory over the darkness can be achieved is by realizing the most crucial truth—spiritual growth is a lifetime process—it does not happen over night.
The Lifetime Process of Pastoral Care
There are several key ingredients in this process. Trust, vulnerability, and compassion are essential building blocks for the foundation of a pastoral care ministry. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” (NKJV).
Trusting in God for everything is paramount for a Christian’s walk, as much for the spiritual growth and development of Christ-likeness, as for anything else. Showing vulnerability with each other, ourselves and God is scary and filled with risks. Examples of these risks include the fears of rejection by God and others, facing the unknown without firm ground to stand on or engaging battle with the Enemy while wondering if someone’s covering your back. There is also the experience of enduring ridicule, for standing up for God’s Word against the mainstream of a pervasive and antagonistic society, which is bent on conformity to an individualistic mindset; rather than a radical embracing of group unity through Christ-like characteristics. This same spiritual culture clash frowns upon caring and showing compassion for others more than oneself.
Eugene Peterson in his book, The Contemplative Pastor, states that “Grace is everywhere” (3).
However, people today are confused by the muddled, distorted representation of God’s Grace that they witness revealed through Christians everyday. So many Christians say one thing, but live a lie-based demonstration of faith that it leaves unchurched, and unreached people (and other Christians, too!) uneasy and wary. Sometimes, this misrepresentation gets so bad that they and other people easily become hardened bitter shells, rather than reflect who Christ wants them to be.
That is why I like what Peterson wrote about the lifetime process of pastoral care. He said, “There are long stretches of darkness and invisibility and silence that separate planting and reaping” (Contemplative Pastor, 3). It’s the same for spiritual growth. Often, we believe if we get the intellectual message that a particular lesson takes time to learn, we will have completed the spiritual growth process for that lesson. I could only wish it were that simple! In reality, God applies a real physical experience to entrench the spiritual lesson more firmly in our hearts and soul. It is not until both “head lesson” and “heart application” come together that we truly participate in the spiritual growth process. This spiritual connection will take as much time as God deems necessary, not a moment less or more! I’ve seen this happen and experienced it many times personally. When His Will clashes with our will, and our wants and desires interfere with His plans for us, the spiritual growth process can be delayed and stunted for years.
Conclusion
Going back to Tara, the lady I mentioned earlier. While her physical health has stabilized, she now believes that the physical source has been identified, God will swoop in and rescue her restoring her back to full health. He still could. However, she is unwilling to accept that God may desire to use this physical challenge as a way to teach her to trust and rely on Him for everything she needs, even if He chooses not to heal her. This health issue could be her “thorn in the flesh” like something else was for Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Regardless of whether or not He does heal her, and chooses to providentially step in or not, we know God keeps His Word. He cannot do otherwise or He would not be God. He is faithful, all-present, all-knowing. He sees what we do not. Surrendering ourselves to His Will and authority means accepting life as He knows we need it. With absolute confidence, we must believe He will continue the process of spiritual growth, until He calls us home to be with Him.
Works Cited
The Bible. New King James Version. Thomas Nelson Publishers. TN: Nashville, 1984.
Cloud, Dr. Henry and Townsend, Dr. John. How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth. Zondervan. MI: Grand Rapids, 2001.
Peterson, Eugene H. The Contemplative Pastor. Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing. MI: Grand Rapids, 1989.
What Is Ministry?
Ministry isn’t just turning the other cheek
it is speaking up, too
so that those who seek
the Truth, can see Christ reflected through me and you!
Ministry then, is breaking the cycle of abuse
by choosing to act
in order to defuse
the potential of a more violent attack.
By setting a chain of events into motion
the value of life is honored, and fear gives way to peace
freeing the Spirit of less cumbersome emotions
oh, what sweet release!
Hope defers despair,
acknowledges pain
and surrenders the green-eyed monster of self to another’s care.
A taste of humble pie is acquired and this sweetens the refrain.
Ministry is a voice that speaks out
for those who are without a voice
and vanquishes concerns or doubts
this was the wisest course, for there are always consequences for every poor choice.
Peace,
moves in to replace
fear’s stranglehold! Oh, what sweet release!
By not getting what we deserve; this offers praise to God for His Grace!
Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
Written on:
April 23, 2008
Scripture References:
Matthew 25: 31-46; Romans 6:23;
Romans 8:28 & Ephesians 2:8-9
Sharing articles, poems, and Scripture verses that illustrate God's Grace and how it can be applied to life.
About Me
- Belle Anne Leslie
- I love to write poetry, fiction, non-fiction and feature articles!
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