"One can sense the tenderness and love in Jesus’ words in John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (NKJV). Christian shepherding at its core has to do with the manner in which leaders relate to members. It is not a doctrinal or transactional thing; it is relational. If members are seen merely as a source of resources that can be tapped for whatever projects the leaders conceive, they will soon develop resistance to the leadership’s appeals." (Don McFarlane, Pastor for Administration and Adult Ministries | Sligo Seventh-day Adventist church)
At Stafford Seventh-day Adventist Church, the elders share member care responsibilities with the pastor. The elders' responsibilities primarily involve providing spiritual guidance, actively visiting members, checking on their well-being, and addressing concerns within the congregation, particularly those who might be struggling or not regularly attending services, acting as a spiritual shepherd to the church members under their care. To facilitate this, church members have been organized into three groups and an elder has been assigned to each group.
Key aspects of an elder's member care responsibilities:
- Regular Visitation and Engagement-Actively visit members at their homes or regularly call/text them to check on their spiritual and physical well-being, offer support and encouragement.
- Biblical Counseling-Provide biblical counseling to members facing personal challenges, including spiritual struggles, family issues, or health concerns.
- Identifying Needs-Recognize members who might require additional support, such as new converts, the elderly, or those going through difficult life situations. Depending on the situational needs, the elder might refer the member to the pastor for additional support.
- Leading Small Groups-Facilitate small group Bible studies or prayer meetings to foster deeper connection and spiritual growth within the congregation.
- Communicating with the Pastor-Collaborate closely with the pastor to ensure members receive comprehensive care and address issues that may require further pastoral intervention.
- Encouraging Church Attendance and Stewardship-Reach out to members who are not regularly attending services or supporting the church in tithes and offerings, offer support, and address potential concerns.
- Discipleship Development-Guide members in their spiritual development by teaching biblical principles and encouraging personal study.
- Conflict Resolution-Encourage brotherly love when conflicts arise within the church community and engage the pastor in situations that may require further pastoral intervention.