Several years ago, my wife was in the hospital for some surgery. Just before they wheeled her to the operating room, I leaned over and kissed her. One of the nurses observed, “You must be the husband.” I agreed that I was, but to this day, I wish that I had said, “Actually, I’m her minister. Our church is trying to take pastoral care to a whole new level!”

The New Testament is filled with exhortations to love one another deeply, to take care of each other’s needs and to bear one another’s burdens. Leaders are urged to shepherd the flock, and we all have the responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in Christ in whatever way we can.

Let’s all work toward taking pastoral care to a whole new level.