As the COM circles through these six areas of encouragement of congregations and clergy to care for the clergy, they will undoubtedly get feedback on other subjects and suggestions for both clergy and congregations. This is the time to make use of the ToolBox at www.pastoralcarenetwork.org to see if there are suggestions that address those subjects as well. There are a variety of options that are available. You can also respond to this webpage and raise the question so that we can come up with other ideas.
Also, since it has been over a year and one-half of experiences, it would be appropriate to set aside some time for discussion among clergy and elders of what the areas are that they feel need to be identified. In that discussion, you might raise the issue of how we care for all the leaders in the church — elders, deacons, trustees, music leadership, Christian educators, presbytery staff, etc. All through this set of experiences is the theme that those who are called to lead in the Body of Christ, lead as servants, also need to be cared for. Your goal is to create a culture of caring within the body.
Next week we will take a look at how we care for those engaged in specialized ministry beyond the congregation. They, also, have been called by God and are worthy of the care of the Body of Christ.
