From time to time someone will ask me a question like the following:
“Pastor Biz, what do you spend your time doing during the week?”
To which I often answer (in my more serious moments) something like,
“I meet with church/community members, have appointments over meals, and work with our ministry teams and leaders. The care I provide to our ministry teams differs from week-in and week out. Currently, our Youth Ministry is receiving more time than usual. But I may meet with our Missions, Children, Deacons, Elders, Worship, team, etc. depending on the day or the week! I also spend time in study and preparation for my teaching/preaching responsibilities. When I have time, I like to pray/think/reflect on the church’s overall health. I also try to craft out time to pray and connect with parishioners who are homebound or in need of visitation. And, finally, I enjoy meeting with other pastors and ministry leaders, when possible.”
That’s all to say that I spend most of my time and energy providing some form Congregational Care.
Continue reading “Transforming Pastoral Ministry: Congregational Care as Companionship”