3) You hear what is truly valuable. Along the lines with #2, with a shorter meeting (hour or so) there is not a lot of time for fluff. Often when I come the member(s) will have questions or items that they would like prayer for. What a blessing as a pastor to begin walking our members through something at the early stages.
It’s also very helpful. Here are some reasons.
1) You get to know the flock better. If you have over 75 members then you probably find it hard to keep up with everyone. Visiting in the home helps with this. Going into the home helps you to identify with them and hear them. There are often things that you learn about a family just by being in their home. Further, the discussion is always illuminating. This informs my praying and helps shape the application of my preaching. When able, I engage with the children and ask them questions too. It’s a total encouragement.
2) You get the chance to listen. I talk for multiple hours a week to our members. Add that up over a month or a quarter and it is a lot of time. How much time do they talk to me over that time? Occasionally we talk at church or if we get together outside of church, but nothing beats this. I ask some questions and get to listen and learn.
3) You can get out in front of issues. How many times have we as pastors thought, “Man, I wish I would’ve known about this a few months ago!” When you visit in the home sometimes you have the opportunity to flip over some rocks before the issues get too big.
4) You help ensure an open line of communication. I have noticed that these visits have increased the meaningful communication related to spiritual growth. I don’t think some of these folks doubted that I cared before I visited them but based on the conversation they for sure knew it. And, after the visits I often get follow up questions or requests for prayer.
5) Sermon feedback. I don’t go in asking for compliments or looking for critiques on my preaching, but I do want to know if they are benefiting from the ministry of the word at the church. What is surprising here is what the Lord uses to impact people. Sometimes things that you think are incredibly profound are missed and the little things leave a major impact. Again, this all helps us in our task of feeding the flock. Learning how and what your people are hearing is like homiletical gold. It is great intel for your prayer and preparation.
We have no way of predicting and securing encouragement. However, by my experience pastoral visits are one of the most encouraging things you can do. I hope I’ve convinced you to prayerfully consider it.
