A New Take on the Pastoral Visit

A recent "Dear Abby" column presented a different take on the pastoral visit. Apparently, many church members consider the traditional pastoral visit to be an unwelcome intrusion. They would rather see the pastor at church; and the pastor who wants to get acquainted with church members is advised to do it at church gatherings and fellowship activities. I don't know how accurate this is; but it does reflect changes in our culture over the last fifty years or so. I have actually been criticized in a couple of instances for not making enough pastoral calls in non-crisis situations--even though I have always believed that the best way to get to know the members of my congregation is to see them in their natural habitat. (A few members seem to have thought I should visit them every few weeks, whether they actually needed a visit or not.) The traditional pastoral visit is more difficult now because of more two-income households, more activities in which the kids are expected to participate, and, in some cases, just the distances required to travel between and among our various spheres of interest. Yet, Christians are expected to practice hospitality. This is mentioned throughout Scripture. Pastors are expected to love and guide their flocks. I have had situations where church members definitely did not encourage a visit by the pastor. Times are definitely changing. What this tells us about the future of the relationship between the pastor and the church member, I am not sure; but I do know that as I begin this new pastorate, I will have to be very diligent and discerning as I seek to determine how best to minister to each member and each prospective member of my church, not to mention ministering to the wider community.