That two words, was in-stored in my mind more deeply then I ever encountered it... since the day we had our Alpha Training some times in September. Well, to be exact, it's from a video clip of Veggieie Tales. It reminds me of course of many times, as a church, we are like a gated community, who just take care of people and things that's in our community and we forget, almost at all time, to open the 'gates' for others to come in and enjoy the fun we have in our community.
Well, ever since I came to this church that I am attending now, I realise there's a group of people, is always living in their gated community and worse still, they even asked their church leaders and/or spiritual leaders to stay away from the 'businesses' they are having. It amazed me of their attitudes. There's another group, which always claims that, their spiritual leaders, has not been doing their pastoral care too.... which, yes... very much conflicting...!!!!
As I was reading this book.... on the Chapter on community, ... I came across this story which I found it funny, true and meaningful and I would like to share with you. Reb is a Rabbi, and he was telling this story... :
"When I was growing up in the Bronx," the Reb said, "everyone knew everyone. Our apartment building was like family. We watched out for one another." "I remember once, as a boy, I was so hungry, and there was a fruit and vegetable truck parked by our building. I tried to bump against it, so an apple would fall into my hands. That way, it wouldn't feel like stealing. " "Suddenly, I heard a voice from above yelling at me in Yiddish, "Albert, it is forbidden!" I jumped. I thought it was God. " Who as it? I asked. "A lady who lived upstairs."
What Reb was trying to say is... "we are part of each other's lives. If someone was about to slip, someone else could catch him."
So as us, as members of our church.... we are our brother's keeper... Will you say a word if you see someone is about to slip? The answer of yes or no.... will determine somehow of what you understand of pastoral care is.... Does pastoral care only should be exercise by a Priest and/or Pastor? How many souls can a priest take care of? So, are you suggesting that a church shall not bigger than 500? It took me a while to ponder over this... and I am convicted that, not until we are ready to go beyond the number you have in mind, God will not give us that number of people on our church.
So, my challenge is, before you demand for pastoral care, can you be one of those who perform? Is that alright if you take care of just 20 of them in your cell group first? It's time..... to open our 'gates' don't you think?
- gated community! -
*quoted Mitch Albom's "have a little faith".
