Pastoral care and relationships

Pastoral care and relationships

‘Pastoral care’ in a Christian context means supporting and caring for people who are undergoing problems and crises such as illness, unemployment, loneliness or bereavement through practical help, listening and friendship. The word ‘pastoral’ relates to Jesus’ description of himself as a shepherd, and this image is a powerful influence on how we perceive pastoral care in churches, with the minister often standing in for Jesus as the rescuer and saviour of those in difficulty…