It’s not intentional, but even side-by-side with those who serve, we can miss making sure these faithful ones are doing well.
Take a few minutes to check-in.
Your volunteers may be just fine, but it’s easy to hide pain behind a smile. Let them know you care. Ask how they are doing.
Grace is essential in shepherding your flock.
This past year has been tough on your congregation. Many people are not at their best.
It’s been challenging in one way or another for everyone. Together we have experienced things like fear, disappointment, confusion, disorientation, hurt, and a little bit of crazy.
Grace is your first and best approach to anyone who has been missing from church for a long time. Prayerful gratitude, joy, and a warm welcome when you reconnect are the best response to nurturing their souls.
There is a time for spiritual challenge but always bathed in grace.
It’s OK to ask honest and probing questions.
With love and care as your motivation, it’s OK to ask honest questions of those who’ve been part of your church but you haven’t seen for a long time.
In fact, it’s part of our responsibility as spiritual shepherds.
Asking someone you care about when they might return to church is not about attendance. It’s about worship and connection to the body of Christ.
If you have options such as micro-site worship experiences in addition to your larger gatherings, that’s great! Connection to the body of Christ is the point.
Asking if they are hurting or in a mess and need some help are caring questions. Life is messy, and you might be able to help.
Care with eternity in mind.
Whether it’s someone whose been missing or someone who is currently connected, keep the big picture in mind.
A good cup of coffee and an enjoyable conversation is always good, but don’t forget the main thing. Keep eternity in mind by guiding the conversation whenever possible and appropriate to their spiritual life.
Hey, I love to talk about cool guitars and great music, but it’s incredibly meaningful when someone asks me how it is with my soul. Especially when it’s obvious they really care.
One way to communicate you genuinely care is by listening well and giving time when it’s not convenient.
A few of my favorite questions to ask regarding spiritual life and eternity are:
- “What’s God been saying to you most recently?”
- “What’s your biggest spiritual struggle right now?”
- “How is it with your soul?”
Always be kind and help those who have left your church feel welcome to return.
There are some, perhaps many, who have left your church, and they do not plan to return.
It’s always disappointing when someone leaves your church. Of course, it is. You cared for them as best you could, and not only miss them relationally but hope they continue to grow spiritually.
If they are growing spiritually in another church, though you miss them, that’s OK. In fact, thank God they are worshipping and serving somewhere.
And it’s so important to always let them know that should God ever change their mind; they are welcome to come back to your church any time!
For those who are not actively part of any church, above all, PRAY.
This article originally appeared here.
