Pastoral care isn’t just for the pros.
Last month I mentioned that I was studying. I’m doing a Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies and one of my subjects is Pastoral Care. A recurring theme in my readings is hospitality as an act of pastoral care. This means you and I can be pastoral care givers in our church, work and community.
Hospitality can mean many things.
Here are just a few and I’m certain you can add more.
- It can be a welcoming smile,
- a card given,
- a prayer,
- an expression of appreciation,
- an encouraging word,
- a hug,
- a gift,
- a meal or
- an offer to baby-sit.
It is organizing rosters and sending reminder emails, leading a small group or visiting the shut-ins. Mostly we think of hospitality as sharing a meal together and leisurely enjoying a conversation over coffee. How did you go with your list?
Not so long ago Churches were known for welcoming the stranger and killing them with kindness. But our society has deteriorated and we now teach our children about ‘stranger danger’. We ourselves are not as free as we used to be when we’re out in public. Everyone minds their own business and doesn’t want to get involved. The old bible story of the Good Samaritan is a 21st century reality. Sadly, the attitudes of the priest and the levite in the story have infiltrated churches.
Step back and take a good long look at your congregation. How does your church rate on hospitality? Think also about your church in the community. If a stranger came next week how would they rate your hospitality?