Ministry, Mission and the Social Services (3)

Abstract

"Pastoral work, almost always, conjures up the image of personal work, the direct contact between the pastor and members of his congregation or those who come to him for aid. Two activities stand out as being normative: the visit to the home or hospital, whether in some systematic scheme or in response to news of sickness or distress, and the knock at the door with an appeal for help or advice. In point of fact any comprehensive view of the minister's task will see these as being a particular type of activity within a network of the whole life and witness of the Church. Spiritual growth and pastoral support is given in meetings formal and informal, in organisations and study groups, in administration and committee work. It is as important that the Christian community be functioning efficiently and fully as that individuals are met immediately. The two go together providing a total environment for the exercise of the threefold work of the Church: healing, support and service."