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 never to 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 realize early on in ministry they are not omnipresent, but their love for God’s flock does not cease when they cannot gather. So, pastors pray. Pastors schedule time to lift God’s flock by name to the Chief Shepherd.

The pastor will also set aside time to make a pastoral phone call to the member(s) who cannot 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 an 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 discussion. 

1. Family - How is your family doing? Do they have any living relatives? If so, ask about their family. Do they live close? If not, do they speak with them often? Asking about relatives will demonstrate your pastoral care extends beyond a hollow exchange of pleasantries. 
2. Visitation - Have you had any visitors lately? We are created for interaction, not isolation. Being aware of visits (social interaction) can help understand the state of their emotional well-being. 
3. Hobbies - What are some things you have been doing to pass the time? Do they have any favorite books? Television shows? Discussing this question can open the doors for ministry. Can your church drop off a collection of books, word-find puzzles, or DVDs? Listen intently with outreach as the target. 
4. Local Congregation - Has anyone from the church called? The role of the pastor is to care for God's church (First Timothy 3:5), not to be the sole care of God's church. Are they hearing from members? Write thank you notes to those who are making calls. Equip those who are not caring for one another (Ephesians 4:12). God is honored, and the church is unified when God's people care for one another. 
5. Spiritual Care - How are you doing spiritually? Peter encouraged his readers in Second Peter 3:18, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." The call to spiritual growth continues even if God's people cannot physically gather. By asking them to share about their spiritual condition can be the portal to how the pastor can best lead them on their spiritual journey.
6. Congregation Prayer - How can our church pray for you? The church in Acts was glued to prayer, and often prayed for one another. Most people are encouraged when they know the congregation joins together and are committed to praying for them. Don't forget to ask for their permission to share the request with the congregation.
7. Outreach - Is there anything our church can do for you? Look for ways to get others involved in their lives. Can someone pick up groceries for them? Do they need any home repairs? When the church loves one another, God is glorified, and your community will recognize those you lead are disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35). 
8. Pastoral Prayer - How can I pray for you? Pastor, pray for those you are leading. Add their name and prayer needs to your personal calendar. Include in the description their request and any additional notes. Give assurance of the date and time you will personally pray for them. Shepherding God's flock is best done when you lift His flock up to the Chief Shepherd in prayer. 
9. Pastoral Service - Is there anything I can do for you today? Is there an immediate need that you can assist with? I asked this question and later found myself at the grocery store searching for denture cream. There was an immediate need that God allowed me to help meet by simply asking this question. 
10. Immediate Prayer - Can I pray with you before we hang up? Ephesians 6:18 says, "...making supplication for all the saints." Prayers are comforting. Prayers are encouraging. Praying before you hang up allows you to speak on their behalf to the Chief Shepherd immediately. While the Chief Shepherd hears our prayers, the one you are praying for will also hear your prayer on their behalf. Knowing their pastor cares enough to call, genuinely listen, enthusiastically serve, and immediately pray will strengthen and encourage those you lead. 

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 the ministry. 

"United we stand, divided we fall."

Each election season that comes upon us in the United States of America, I always feel blessed that we live in a country that we have the freedom to vote. I also feel gratitude thinking about friends, family, and others who bravely fought for the freedoms we do have in the U.S.A. 

Yet, each election season also brings a sense of division. It often comes down to: Right vs. Left; Conservative vs. Liberal; Republican vs. Democrat. In this election season, the perception of the disunity is greater than ever. While we watch the disunity during political debates, you may have also noticed the disunity on social media platforms between those whom you are called to lead. 

"United we stand, divided we fall" is not just a quote for our wonderful country - it's also an adage for those whom you lead. How should you lead during the division? How can you lead your team (paid or volunteers) toward unity?

Standing in unity begins by standing together on our knees and it begins with you - the leader. 

Colossians 4:2 says, "Continue steadfastly in prayer..." To continue steadfastly in something doesn't mean you continue in something when it's easy and back off when the 'going gets tough'. Leadership is difficult and leading during a time of division calls for strength and perseverance. Leading during division calls for strong leadership. Leadership during division calls for leaders to continue steadfastly in prayer.

"United we stand, divided we fall" is a wonderful slogan for our country, but it's also a rally cry for leaders to be united in prayer for those whom we lead. Leaders in churches, leaders in the classroom, leaders in the home, leaders in the factory, leaders in the field, leaders in ministry, are called to be united together in prayer. Leaders are called to pray for those whom we lead, for those who are in authority, and for those seeking an elected office. 

Leadership in Ministry wants to provide you with a free seven day prayer guide. This prayer guide will guide you over the next seven days in how you can pray for those you lead, for those in authority, and for those seeking an elected office. Each day gives you a guide for your time of prayer along with Biblical support. 

Will you commit to seven days of prayer for those you lead? Will you also commit to seven days of prayer for this election season as well? 

If you will commit, fill out the form below. By filling out the form below, you will gain access to our seven day prayer guide and also will be included in our monthly "Leadership in Ministry: Inside Look": a newsletter looking at leadership in ministry. 

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