Though I am more energized by leadership and preaching than by visitation, I structure time for pastoral visits. Here are five reasons why:
1. Home visits are a great forum for sharing vision.
In a home, over a cup of coffee, I can discuss in detail where I see the church going. My host or hostess can ask questions, and then I better understand what they want to see happen in the church. Visits also allow people to know where their gifts intersect with the church's needs.
Three families from a neighboring town belong to our congregation. While visiting one of them, I mentioned our strategy for multiplying small groups. They expressed a strong interest in belonging to a group. Since no group met near them, and because they had leadership potential, I asked if they would consider group leadership. They accepted the challenge. Within weeks we had a healthy group meeting every Sunday evening in their community.
2. Visits show other leaders how to care.
Whenever possible, I take an elder with ...
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