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question about pastoral visitation

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by GODzThunder, Feb 6, 2004.

  1. GODzThunder

    GODzThunder New Member

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    I have a question for preachers, mainly those with Churches that have a membership of 75 or less.

    How often, if any, do you visit and/or call members at their homes? When and Why?

    ex. Do you just go out weekly and visit or call members running down the Church membership roll and then start over when you reach the end or do you visit only new prospects, new members & regular members when they are ill or have missed so many services?

    Or do you only go to a member when they are either sick or they call and ask you to come?

    thanks for your input. I want to judge your responses against my visitation schedule so that I may adjust my schedule if needed to better serve my Church!
     
  2. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    We see most people at every church service, but the home visit is quite different. I liked to keep in touch with the faithful as well as the delingents. They often disclosed things they would never mention in public. We just might be able to help them.

    I had a visitation plan weekly, as time permitted, but seldom more than once a year. One can also become a pest with some members...believe me.

    The sick, elderly and those in mourning, always, and this includes new members and those estranged from the church services.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  3. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    I call on members when they are habitually absent or sick. Very occasionally, I will stop by just to stop by. Other than that, I see them at church. With new believers, I stop by more often just to check up on them and keep in touch on a personal basis.
     
  4. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Get deacons to help.
     
  5. steveo

    steveo New Member

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    I agree with Saggy Woman about the deacons, its in the bible.
    You do need help, and it lets others serve.
    You still need to visit yourself though.
    How can you be a shepherd without caring for your people?
    I have heard of one pastor who never visits because he is called just to preach.
    Personally I have two jobs, so my visits are few and mostly to people who are sick, have needs, etc..
     
  6. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Retired ministers are often engaged as a minister of visitation. It keeps us busy and feeling useful in the church after we retire.

    I think it is a special calling to do visitation. Not every pastor can do it well. When I talked about my visitation, I did not exclude the duties of deacons and even other members. The people are always pleased when the pastor calls on them, however, even if it is just to say hello. They are not forgotten.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
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