Pastoral - Christian Teaching Resources

There should be no division in the body, but … its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part
suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.
1 Cor 25-26

Love should characterise the followers of Jesus. This means that they will be concerned for one another and want to help one another. This will involve trying to meet people at their point of need and to bring comfort, healing, guidance and hope.

Sometimes this is left to the professionals – the ministers and clergy – and some of the material in this section will
be helpful to them. But caring is the task of every Christian and the materials here will help you to do this.

Christian caring does not, of course, stop at the church door. One of the good things about the Church of England is its parish system. It regards itself as pastorally responsible for everyone living in the parish, not just those who attend church.

This may be linked with a desire to encourage people to faith, and that is an important aim. But it needs to be remembered that God blesses, protects and helps many people who don’t have any time for him and don’t come to worship. Jesus himself blessed and healed people who didn’t follow him, or even sometimes say thank you!

We should follow the godly example of Jesus and reach out to our neighbours with the love and care of God,
whether or not they come to faith. However, in some cases, this caring will be a means by which the Lord brings them to faith in himself.

These pastoral resources will help in this important ministry.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to write to my blog.

Articles are arranged according to subject and to whether they are:
1. Short popular articles for the general reader
2. Longer popular articles for the general reader
3. More academic articles where relevant