Care
The lecture speaks about the importance of pastoral care in the life of the Church and the role of shepherds (patriarchs, bishops, priests) as stewards and agents of the true Shepherd who is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Key Points
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Pastoral care is considered a divine work, and the Bible describes God as a shepherd lacking nothing (the Psalm) and affirms that Christ is the shepherd of souls.
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The bishop and priest receive the authority of pastoral care as an agency from Christ (the shepherd’s staff) and will be questioned before God if they neglect their pastoral duty.
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Phrases like “from your hand I will require her blood” in Ezekiel express the value of souls and the importance of saving them; shepherds are called to exert effort and possibly sacrifice themselves for the salvation of souls.
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Pastoral work is not merely ritual performance or a formal duty; it is practical, persistent care to guide souls and deliver them from sin and error.
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Shepherds are required to actually know their flock: conduct a census of the area, communicate with families, perform visitations, and record members’ data to direct effective care.
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A true shepherd is one in whom God dwells — that is, someone who embodies God’s pastoral care, not only someone with an official title.
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Pastoral care includes sacraments, teaching, evangelism, attending to people, solving their problems, and delivering them, carried out cooperatively by the bishop, priests, and deacons/elders when needed.
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Warning against shepherds who care for themselves rather than their flock: criticism of those focused on appearances or personal gain while leaving the flock exposed to attacks of error.
Practical Guidance
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Shepherds should organize church records, visit every area, distribute membership cards, collect addresses and phone numbers for contact, and use major occasions for census and visitation.
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The shepherd should not consider himself the owner of the vineyard but an agent who will be accountable; he must guide, not dominate, and strive for the salvation of every soul, even the lost one.
Spiritual Conclusion
The ultimate aim of pastoral care is the salvation of souls and self-giving as the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did; let pastoral care be a loving and sincere work from the heart that seeks to gather the sheep, protect them, and lead them to green pastures and waters of rest.
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