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 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.