Caring for One Another: A Note on Pastoral Care
This week I was blessed with a beautiful encouraging email and gift from someone in the Church. It reminded me of the joy and responsibility we have in caring for one another as a Church family. While the Bible speaks clearly about the qualifications and responsibilities of pastors, elders, and overseers (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2:1-15; 3:3-13; Titus 1:5-9), it also teaches that all Christians are called to care for one another. As followers of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, we are to walk in His footsteps—loving, serving, and encouraging each other in faith.
The Call to One-Anothering
Throughout Scripture, we find many “one-another” commands that shape our relationships as believers. We are called to love one another (John 13:34), bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means that pastoral care isn’t just the role of church leaders—it’s the responsibility of every believer.
While some within the Church may be particularly gifted in pastoral care—such as deacons, ministry leaders, and those trained to support others—every Christian has a role to play in caring for the Body of Christ. True pastoral care prioritises God’s Word, as Paul Tripp reminds us: “God transforms people’s lives as people bring His Word to others.” [Tripp in Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change.]
Practical Ways to Care for Others
Caring for one another takes many forms. Some ways we can extend pastoral care include:
- Personal visits or coffee catch-ups
- Sending a text, making a phone call, or writing an encouraging message
- Gathering regularly for Sunday Church services and checking in with others after the service
- Connecting with the Church community through Life Groups, mentorship, or 1:1 Bible reading
A Church That Cares
Imagine a church where everyone is actively looking out for one another—where encouragement, love, and support flow freely within the body of Christ. This is what God calls us to! Let’s be intentional about reaching out, checking in, and showing the love of Jesus to those around us.
Who can you encourage or care for this week?
