Yes and no. I believe that one aspect of my calling is to provide pastoral care to God’s flock. The Shepherd metaphor in Scripture reminds us that sheep (believers in God’s fold) need to be guided and cared for by the pastor (John 21:15-19; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2). The Apostle James included in his definition of, “pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father,” the task of visiting “orphans and widows in their time of trouble” (James 1:27). I truly enjoy showing the love and care of Christ to people in times of great need or illness.
Last week I made several hospital visits and preached to a group of Senior Adults in a nursing home. This week I have made several visits to patients in Memorial Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and Mayo Clinic. I even drove a patient home from the hospital. I do not say this to brag. I just want to illustrate that I am committed to ministering to my members in times of need.
However, it must be said that the primary calling of a pastor is to spend time with God in prayer and in the study of God’s Word so the proclamation and teaching of the Bible can be unhindered (Acts 6:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:2). Pastors have many demands upon their schedule and many members who need to be cared for. During the same week as all of these hospital visits, I have had numerous counseling appointments, either in person or via phone. I have had to provide leadership for my staff on key issues. I must prepare two sermons a week. I must prepare for my men’s small-group that I lead on Wednesday nights. I spoke to the staff of a Funeral Home for their weekly team building meeting. I have responded to numerous e-mails and other pieces of correspondence. I have addressed benevolence needs. The list goes on and on. Not to mention that I am a husband and a father; this is my most important ministry!
The needs of my church are too great for one pastor to meet. Therefore, I have equipped other believers to serve with me in this vital task of pastoral care. The Bible says one of the responsibilities of the pastor is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). At Fort Caroline Baptist Church we equip deacons, LifeGroup leaders, staff members, and church members to assist in providing care through hospital and nursing home visits. I have assigned “hospital days” to my staff. These people, staff and volunteers, are extensions of my ministry. It may not always be possible for me to be with you in your time of need, but I will do my best to ensure that someone is there on my behalf. Of course, this is not good enough for some people. I have been told that one patient was visited by a Deacon, a Life Group leader, a staff member, and several church members all at the same time. The person looked around and asked, “Where is the Pastor? Doesn’t our church care about people?” Yes, our church cares. But if your definition of “care” is that the Pastor has to do the entire ministry, then we will never be able to care enough.
If you or a loved one is in need of a visit please call the church office at 904-642-2288 and give us the information. I, or one of the pastors and/or trained assistants will be glad to visit.
Well, I've got to end here. I'm headed to Baptist Downtown.
