A series of teachings to create a more caring community of connection in our congregation. This training is provided for all Pastoral Staff, Deacons, Deaconess and Care Captains of Tabernacle of Prayer and Latter Church - Pastor Micah J. Scott, Sr.

Today's Outline:

SPONTANEOUS CARE
You don't have to wait for a specific appointment or assignment to reach out and encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ. When God puts someone on your heart to call and encourage them, just do it. Or if you just know of a situation and you have the opportunity to do so, step out and be an encouragement.

Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) {10} Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

1 John 3:17 (NKJV) But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

SYSTEMATIC CARE
It is also Biblical for pastors to organize members and church leaders to provide a plan and perpetual system of care. A pastor takes better care of his members when visitation and membership care is a shared responsibility.
Hebrews describes Moses as being a faithful servant in the house of God. Is it reasonable to think that Moses and/or Joshua made personal house calls to every member of the congregation of Israel? The size of the army alone was over 600,000 men and this did not include women and children.
God instructed Moses to set up a system of congregational care in which members would care for one another; and only the more difficult matters would be brought to him.

Exodus 18:17-23 (NLT)
{17} “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed.
{18} “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.
{19} Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.
{20} Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.
{21} But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.
{22} They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.
{23} If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

Deuteronomy 1:15 (NLT)
{15} So I took the wise and respected men you had selected from your tribes and appointed them to serve as judges and officials over you. Some were responsible for a thousand people, some for a hundred, some for fifty, and some for ten.
Certainly no one is expected to spend an exorbitant amount of time visiting people. Believers should not need that much visitation to stay committed. Too much visitation is actually discouraged by the Scriptures.

Proverbs 25:17 (NKJV) Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

1 Timothy 5:13 (KJV) And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
That being said, systematic routine contact with all members should be an ongoing practice of the local church.