Pastoral Visiting – Book Review – LPWL Meeting, 31^st October, 2024

 

Pastoral Care in Practice – An Introduction and Guide – Michael Hopkins – suggested by Rev. Tim Moore

 

What I thought Pastoral Visiting was

 

More than just keeping in touch with folk.

 

My Concerns before reading the book

 

Visiting folk at home – not everyone wants someone to visit their home as they are then stuck with the person until that person chooses to leave – so there is a feeling of being stuck in a situation that may not be equal.

 

Some housebound folk enjoy someone calling in as they see very few folk but it can be tiring to have someone in your house for any length of time if you are unwell.

 

We need to be very careful that we don’t outstay our welcome or maybe say how long we will be with them and check that is okay

 

Some folk will have other commitments and if we drop in unexpectedly that makes it difficult for them.

 

 

What Pastoral Visiting really is

 

Pastoral Visiting is different to being a friendly face having a chat.

 

Each chapter has a theme, questions and a prayer

 

What the author says:-

 

Introduction – ‘if we can not care for the people we do have, how can we recruit new members? Or why would anyone want to join a church that didn’t care’

 

Spending time with people offering Pastoral care is not a neutral activity.  He prefers the term ‘pastoral encounter’

There is the Safeguarding aspect and where does Pastoral Care fit in with this

 

Offering pastoral care to the disabled

 

We need to listen properly when we are with people

 

He suggests staying long enough to have a meaningful conversation with them

 

Each church is challenged to respond to and care for the community it exists in

 

Visiting folk who are ill is part of our overall ministry of encouragement which we are trying to offer through pastoral care

 

Pastoral visitor is someone appointed by the church – it is official and not casual

 

Affirming someone’s worth is important at every stage of life

 

Those offering Pastoral care do so as part of a team

 

Pastoral care includes praying with them during the visit.  Prayer is an important part of pastoral care.

 

Pastoral care is about creating safe and sacred places where everyone can encounter God.  Some churches have prayer request lists.

 

A challenging read!

 

Further Comments

 

Made to Care – Ann Bird, Pastoral Care Secretary, Division of Ministries.

 

‘Christian care grows out of our understanding of the nature of God and our experiences of receiving His love and care in our lives’.

 

‘Pastoral caring can never be isolated from the mission of the Church.’

 

‘We are to care for the despairing and the rejected, the poor and the marginalised, those who are alone and for the broken in heart and spirit’

 

For Further Information – Who Cares? The Methodist Church Course