How on earth do I pastor these people?
By Rob Wiltshire
Leading people…gosh it’s hard. Church leadership would be so much easier if people weren’t in it. People are difficult, messy, confusing, and all the rest.
And on top of that leadership becomes even more confusing when we realise true leadership requires us to pastor people.
I am not suggesting everyone is a pastor, rather I am highlighting that leading people requires you to…actually care for them, aka pastor them.
Its next to impossible to motivate people, correct people, help people, if you have never let them feel like you care for them. All leadership requires a certain amount of pastoral care.
You don't have to be a 'Pastor' or 'Counsellor' to be effective in pastoral care. You just have to be a person who cares. It's that simple.
98% of pastoral care is just being a person who cares.
In 98% of issues either you or I will have to lead people through; the most powerful way you can lead them is by letting them know that you care.
6 Ideas to help you be a person who cares
1. Send them a text message.
"Hey wanted to let you know I am praying for you regarding insert blank. If there is anything other than prayer I can do to help please let me know."
"Hey insert name I wanted to encourage you with insert scripture or word of encouragement. I believe in you, we as a link believe in you, God believes in you.
2. Give them a call.
It doesn't have to be long, but just you taking the time to give them a call will at times be all they need to know you care.
3. Cook them a meal.
Nothing says I love you to a single mum like, here’s a meal for you, take the night off. If you can’t cook buy. Order a pizza and have it delivered to their house.
4. Have them over for dinner
There is something relationally connecting about sitting down for a meal with someone. And you know what, people love having a meal with the leader. If you aren’t great with conversation, invite someone else who is.
5. Grab a coffee with them
This is simple. One lunchtime, or after work go and have a quick coffee with them. It doesn’t have to last for hours. A coffee and conversation will help them feel valued.
6. Have your broader team do all the above with them.
If you have a person whose life is falling apart in your team. The responsibility to pastor them doesn't solely fall on you. Your responsibility is however, to do some practical caring for them yourself, and to be deliberate in contacting other members in your team and have them to gather around the particular person.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s just a small starter to help you. Being a person who cares when you break it down is easy. You just have to be deliberate.