Greerton Bible Church

Pastoral Care – how to do it?

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one... If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls & has no one to help him up!"

We do fall or get knocked down at times in life, don’t we? And how wonderful it is when we have a friend who cares enough to lift us up, dust us off, & help us continue on.

If you read Philippians 2:19-30 you will listen to Paul’s example of a tender & compassionate friend.

In fact, did you know that there are more than 100 people listed as Paul’s friends in the N.T. And one of the reasons Paul had so many friends was because he was such a good friend, himself.

How can you and I follow the example of Paul? Quite simply we need to cultivate a genuine interest in others. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." In other words, "be genuinely concerned about others."

Do you ever ask yourself on Sunday morning, "Why am I going to GBC? Am I going because I feel I owe a debt to God, so I’m
trying to pay it back? Or because I’m carrying a heavy burden that I hope will be lifted? Or because I like the music, the fellowship and the preaching? Why am I going?" Why should we come? Well, if we’re genuinely interested in others, the church
becomes a training ground where we learn how to help one another.

So when you come to GBC, be on the lookout. Over there is a mother with both hands full, trying to herd her kids through the door. Maybe she could use your help. Or you're sitting near a guest, here for their first time. Introduce yourself & tell them, "I’m glad you came."

Or when you look at the prayer list, & learn of someone who is having a difficult time - get a card & write them a note, & let them know that you’ll be praying for them. Or if someone you know is struggling with a heavy burden of grief or loss, hold their hand, & maybe weep with them. Just let them know that you care.

Now I realise that many of you are already doing that, & I praise God for you. Isn’t it refreshing to know that we can care about each other without any hidden agendas - to care about each other because "you’re my brother, or you’re my sister in the Lord
Jesus Christ."

So make an effort this morning (and in future mornings) to step out of your ‘safe zone’ and talk, share, encourage and assist someone who needs a bit of GBC pastoral care.

Thanks for being part of the GBC family

John