Part of pastoral ministry is calling on shut-ins, even if only to keep track of how they're doing. It's satisfying to have a good visit with somebody and pray with them, but there comes a time when visits are no longer about exchange and when prayers are no longer understood. When that time comes, we can only pray for them, not with them -- but we still need to see them with our own eyes from time to time. We owe it to them to see how they are being cared for and -- even more -- to keep ourselves informed about their condition. It shapes our prayers for them, and it is part of our accountability to God. The sheep are still part of the flock, even when they are no longer able to interact with the other sheep, and the shepherd still has to see how they're doing now and then.
Checking on the flock
Part of pastoral ministry is calling on shut-ins, even if only to keep track of how they're doing. It's satisfying to have a good visit with somebody and pray with them, but there comes a time when visits are no longer about exchange and when prayers are no longer understood. When that time comes, we can only pray for them, not with them -- but we still need to see them with our own eyes from time to time. We owe it to them to see how they are being cared for and -- even more -- to keep ourselves informed about their condition. It shapes our prayers for them, and it is part of our accountability to God. The sheep are still part of the flock, even when they are no longer able to interact with the other sheep, and the shepherd still has to see how they're doing now and then.
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What does the sign signify?
I read an interesting investigative blogpost on the Eagle Rank recently which confirmed my impressions of what is going on with Scouting’s highest…
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My goodness, has it been that long?
This spring is the 50th anniversary of my high school graduation. (It’s also the 30th anniversary of my Ph.D. commencement.) The three most useful…
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On preaching
My first appointment as a student pastor was in 1976. With only a year of seminary under my belt, I was made the pastor of three churches. Every…
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