Term 3 2012 series 'One another' session 2

Care for one another

‘That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another." 1 Cor 12:25

Schism is Greek schisma lit. a rent, gap, or a division. This chapter is a celebration of the giftedness and the unity of the body. Paul is anxious that the members of the body have the same care ['care' in original Greek from a word denoting to separate or apportion into parts] When it comes to honor, dignity, expression of gifts and provision of care it is God’s intention we all get a fair share of the pie! I like this analogy as it is a great concept for us to grasp. Alternatively when this is not in balance, it has potential for resentment & ill-will in the community of God.

Q. How can we ensure that everyone is honored & treated fairly?
Q. Who is responsible for this, according to 1 Cor 12:25?

Pastoral care in a church our size is a major issue. We as a leadership team have determined that the best way to make sure everyone gets equal treatment is to shift the onus of care provision to the small groups, service teams & departments; with people to coordinate care & care partners under the supervision of an expanded Pastoral care team. Of course there will always be a need for Pastors in the church to oversee, care and intervene in critical matters, but their primary role is to train, guide, preach and teach to equip the church to care and envelope each other in Christian community. They are not umpires, professional counselors, lawyers, policemen or psychologists. The word pastor or 'poinmen' in the Gr denotes 'a shepherd' or one that guards, guides, feeds and protects the sheep. In the Pastoral Epistles Paul has much advice to Timothy primarily in regard to the role of a pastor; it had a lot to do with study of the word, preaching and teaching and guidance in doctrine & Christian living. Practical care was the responsibility of the deacons, and the elders were to provide governmental oversight. We see this practically in Acts 6 where there was a complaint about neglect of widows needs; (Read Acts 6:1-6)

Q. What are some common misconceptions of the ‘Pastoral’ role? (i.e the ‘School nurse’ mentality – had to be all things to everyone)
(Leaders you will need to moderate responses to this question)

Small groups are a great way for the immediate needs of individuals to be discovered and met. We are training and equipping our leaders to have capacity in this area; our Area leaders look after a few group leaders each and we in turn supervise them. This structure allows for growth, sustainability and is a more effective model consistent with the NT church concept. In a church of 50-100+ a single Pastor can perhaps be a primary care provider, but 500+ even a small team of Pastors will quickly be overwhelmed. It is interesting to note that the early church was perhaps 8-10 thousand. So they very quickly had to raise up and commission many workers and leaders.

Brainstorm.
Discuss what might be common issues in a church of our size. How would you address these needs? Prioritize issues? Decide on appropriate interventions and actions.
(Hint: Perhaps it will help to define ‘care’ and list all the ways care might be expressed.)
Q. as a leader/group member how can I be more involved in care provision?

Prayer.
Take some time to pray about needs in your own group, and any others you are aware of. Have a great time in your small group and a stimulating discussion!

Ps Rhett

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