My title and primary role at FPC is Care Ministry. Mostly, that includes hospital visitation and follow-up, and regular contacts with members who are no longer able to attend worship – homebound members or facility residents. Other descriptions of my ministry are Congregational Care and Pastoral Care.
Pastoral Care is, broadly defined, emotional, relational, and spiritual support to help individuals navigate life transitions, grief, and crises. It starts with the word, “pastor,’ meaning ‘shepherd,’ and it involves listening, compassion, practical assistance, and guidance. At FPC, the pastoral care role is assigned primarily to John, Zac, Paul, and me.
But, in fact, most staff members find themselves in care ministry from time to time. As we listen to members share their hurts, concerns and needs, we are called into the role of caring for them. As they sense our genuine concern for them and their situations, they are also reminded that God loves and cares for them.
And it’s not only staff. There are a number of volunteers who serve alongside us in care ministry – both in hospital and homebound/facility visitation. And you may not be an ‘official’ volunteer, but I’m willing to be you, too – as a member of FPC – are involved. Member-to-member care is alive and well here.
This became real to me while I was writing this article. I was involved in a group text with four church members. One was sharing her journey with her husband after a biopsy. The comments from the others went something like this – “Oh, dear. I pray for the best. Please know how much I am thinking of you.” And “The Lord is with you every step of the way. And so are your friends who love you.” That is the definition of care ministry!
Now, I want to take this one step further. And that’s the title of this blog – ‘Care Ministry in Reverse.’ This has come home to me in a personal way since Jenny, my wife, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. I have heard and seen and felt the care ministry of FPC from many people. As I sit around the table with my colleagues week by week at staff meetings, I hear their prayers and support. As I see them in the hallways, or they stop by my office, I feel their encouragement.
As I see you and many others in the Welcome Center or sanctuary, or elsewhere (one personal stopped me in Pinch a Penny to ask about her!), I hear your words of concern, as you ask how she is doing, and share that you are praying for us. I even joked with Jenny one time that it takes me much longer to get in and out of worship on Sunday mornings because so many people are stopping me to ask about her! That is a wonderful thing.
And it’s not just personal contacts. It’s cards in the mail (one member, who would not want me to mention her name, sends a card at least once a month) and phone calls. And – in this electronic age – it’s emails and texts and social media comments. Yes, electronics do have their advantages!
So, I guess my purpose in writing this is two-fold: to thank you for your part in the care ministry of the church – officially or unofficially. And to thank you personally for your ‘Care Ministry in Reverse.’ As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens. In this way, you fulfill the law of Christ.” May God continue to lead and bless you as you serve in his Kingdom.