A culture of compassionate care (1) Introduction

Rev. Garrett Eriks introduces a series on compassionate pastoral care within the church, arguing that while personal devotion and prayer are essential, believers should also seek help from their church community when facing struggles like addiction, mental health challenges, marital conflict, and grief. The article establishes the theological foundation that Christ ministers to saints not only through Scripture and prayer but also through the mutual care and counsel of fellow church members, setting up a discussion on how churches can develop a culture of genuine spiritual support.