On Sunday mornings it looks like nothing has changed. Pastor Beau is in the pulpit, the deacons have communion ready, Bob is at the organ. But during the week, something’s different. Because Pastor Beau is only available on Sundays now, the job of pastoral care falls on the congregation, on us.
This isn’t new. As one pastor observed, “You do a good job of taking care of each other.” The fact that we don’t have a regular pastor, however, means we need to be intentional about what we do.
The shepherding team and the deacons are a vital part of our collective self care. But the job really falls to all of us. Texts, calls, visits, cards, email, small talk at coffee hour: they help us stay connected to each other.
If you have a pastoral need, reach out. The elders and deacons and your church family are here to help you when you need it. Pastor Beau may be available if his schedule permits, but this responsibility to each other really falls on us.
As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (6:2).