Frequently Asked Questions!

13. Pastoral Care Philosophy

Pastor Ken Webb

Spiritual Care At Christ's Fellowship Church:As Pastor of C.F.C. I am profoundly aware of the responsibility that shepherds in Christ's church bear. They will be held to a strict account for their teaching and shepherding ministry. It's also true that most of us don't want people meddling in our lives unless they are invited in. I believe that, and try to respect boundaries. I'm available as your Pastor at whatever level you want --- everything from "Don't call us , we'll call you", to "Help equip me for vital service in the Body of Christ." It's your call and your choice.

The First Level of Spiritual Care: Worship. This is focused on the regular worship and study of God's Word as a congregation. Here our hearts and minds are lifted into His presence, and, when we see His glory and might, our real needs are met and our perspective on what is really important solves a lot of personal problems.

The Second Level of Spiritual Care: Life Together. This takes place in relationships with others in the church: Home Groups, Sunday School Classes, Outreach Groups, Support Groups, or Discipleship Training Groups. Much of spiritual care takes place here. Get involved, and you'll develop a network of friends and family. Our goal is "Every Member A Minister".

The Third Level of Spiritual Care: Pastoral Service.  God has chosen to use frail and fallible men to serve and lead in His church. Lay Elders and Deacons respectively labor in the Word and manage ministry.  God has also set apart men who labor in the Word and serve as "under- shepherd", known in scripture as pastor/teachers. They are not better nor more important than others, but have been called, anointed, and trained to preach, teach, and minister to all in the church. It takes preparation as well as calling.  Four years of graduate study and 17 years of experience are at your disposal.  You need to know that your Pastor at C.F.C. is accessible and ready to help, equip, walk with you through life's mountains and valleys, and to be as available to help you succeed in serving Jesus at whatever level you desire. Below is the summary of pastoral duties and care you may expect as a member of C.F.C.  My Pastoral Commitment To You:

* Preaching and Teaching - My commitment is to study and be prepared to faithfully preach/teach what God has spoken through the scriptures, not adding to nor taking away.

* Watchfulness - Not everything claiming to be of God is. The best way to recognize danger is to know the real deal thoroughly. My theological and biblical training are not nice options, they are crucial. I am vowed to watch over our souls, judging all things and testing all spirits by the Scriptures.

* Equipping - It is my hope that by faithfully teaching God's Word I can encourage and equip you to develop regular, effective, and ongoing ministries of evangelism and discipleship, equipping all members of Christ's Body, the Church, to find their place of service.

* Pastoral Counseling - I am not trained as a therapist, and therefore I counsel to clarify Biblical principles and application. In crisis situations scripture can help us repent of sin and correct wrong attitudes and behavior, but where clinical therapy or medical treatment are clearly indicated I am quick to refer.

* Biblical Preparation - As believers approach Baptism, Marriage, and  Membership in the church, there is a process of helping them enter into these life changing events Biblically. Through catechism class for the young, premarital counseling, preparation for adult Baptism, and membership commitments I can help chart the Biblical way forward.

* Crisis Support - In sickness, trauma, accidents, and the trials of life I am available to be with, sit with in hospital, and stand alongside. These events are calendar-clearing realities where I cancel appointments and make time to be there with you and your loved ones - but - you must let me know so I can be a part of your life. By beeper, cell phone and e-mail, I am at the longest, only 90 min. away from your side. 241-7600.

* Servant/Leader Preparation - Pastors don't last forever, the church does. I always have an eye toward finding the next generation of servant/leaders, affirming their gifts and calling, and preparing them for productive service.

* Some Administrative Skill - Though I am not a typist, receptionist, accountant, landlord, or purchasing agent, I am called to act as such. As we grow I'll do less of this, and as I do my emphasis on the above primary calling will improve.

Biblical Pastoral Injunctions:

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 

1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
(James 3:1, NIV).

2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; (1 Peter 5:2, NIV).

28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28, NIV).