Pastor, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of pastoral care of the church members and their families? We remember Moses’ workload and the counsel of his father-in-law Jethro:

“And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?”
And Moses said to his father-in-law, ‘Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.’
So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness…'” [and delegate most of the judging to them]. Exodus 18:13-21.

But how can we delegate a significant portion of this congregational care load? One program that focuses on this need is Stephen Ministries.

Another option is chaplaincy. Although chaplains usually serve in the community, they can also serve in the area of pastoral care in the church. The International Fellowship of Chaplains addresses this opportunity:

“Church Chaplains minister within and alongside the local church. As in every community, people struggle with difficulties. Within a church community, people often struggle in silence, hesitating to bother others with their troubles. Chaplains assist the pastoral staff with emotional and spiritual care, crisis, and interventions within the body. This ministry of presence from Chaplains promotes stability of soul, strength of spirit, and quality of well-being for church members.
What does a Church Chaplain do?
Chaplains work under the authority of the church pastor(s) to provide assistance in caring for, and serving, members of the congregation. The scope of their work is determined by their church leadership.
Chaplains meet people where they are and provide comfort and relief at the moment they need it most through emotional and spiritual care when people are traumatized or struggling with grief and loss, depression, thoughts of suicide, or secrecy of domestic violence.
Chaplains may also visit church or family members in the hospital, nursing home, and under hospice care.”

Let’s recognize the importance of equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12), including the ministry of congregational care.

Here is a chaplaincy brochure and an introductory video from IFOC.org.