Ten Questions To Ask When Making A Pastoral Call To Church Members

A good shepherd will care for the sheep by spending time with the sheep. Jesus said in John 10:14 (ESV), “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me...” Our good shepherd is with us always and promised to never leave us. Yet pastors are called to “shepherd the flock of God (First Peter 5:2)” and part of that call is to spend time with God’s flock. 

Pastors who are called by God realize early on in ministry they are not omnipresent, but their love for God’s flock does not cease when they are unable to gather. So pastors pray. Pastors schedule time to lift up God’s flock by name to the Chief Shepherd.

The pastor will then set aside time to make a pastoral call to the member(s) who are unable to gather physically with the rest of the flock. While the phone call does not replace the physical presence of the pastor, the phone call can be spiritually edifying for the flock of God. 

Most often, once you begin with that opening question, the conversation will flow. However, should there be a lull in the conversation, here are ten straightforward questions that can open the door for purposeful conversation. 

1. How is your family doing?
   
2. Have you had any visitors lately?
   
3. What are some things you have been doing to pass the time? Do you have any favorite books? Television shows? 
   
4. Has anyone from the church called you?
   
5. How are you doing spiritually?
   
6. How can our church pray for you? Is it okay if I share this with the congregation?
   
7. Is there anything our church can do for you? (Pray, visit, call, resources?)
   
8. How can I pray for you?
   
9. Is there anything I can do for you today? 
   
10. Can I pray with you before we hang up? 
    

What are some helpful questions you fall back on when you make pastoral calls to those whom God has called you to lead? Leave your comments below to serve other leaders in ministry.