Having just removed myself to the latter side or what some might call the flatter side of their week, it's a good time to give a hearty shout of support to the church. If you have read the material above this entry, you have gathered that Paul Little understands the membership necessities of the early church; in fact he calls them requirements. Over the years I've heard a lot of griping about the church. Its critics complain that it is too antiquated, too stodgy, too confining, and just not with it like those hip churches where no rules, no wrong, and no problems exist.
But think about this; when is the last time that a mega-church / happy church brought you a meal, prayed with you; when last did the church leadership meet you at the hospital; or the church fixed your deck, helped you with your medical bills, or cared for you as a widow? When you sought counsel and support in your marriage, or at the death of a loved one, did the church play a part? Our church and others like it doing pastoral care are not perfect. We have limited funds, limited people, and lets face it limited resources. But, when your kids make a decision in vbs or at camp, wouldn't you want to know that someone cares enough to follow that family member around to see if and how they are progressing in their walk with Christ?
My son serves in a medium sized church in Indiana and he shared recently that a particular family from another background entirely, left their "popular " congregation because they were so impressed by the level of sincere pastoral care extended to them even when they weren't members. By the way, it's probably obvious but pastoral care is the looser term for Christian concern displayed by pastor and people alike.
Go church!
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