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.
Suppose there is a young man in your church -- let's call him Seth -- who is struggling to do his personal devotions and occasionally watches porn. Or suppose there is a young woman in your church -- let's call her Sally -- who struggles with anxiety and some bouts of depression. Again, suppose there is a young mother in the church -- let's call her Anna -- who recently gave birth to her third child and is overwhelmed with caring for and disciplining three children under the age of five. Or...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org