Last week I asked a pastor friend who had just returned from long service leave what he felt was his most urgent task now he was back at work.

His response was very wise, although I was surprised: visit every family in the congregation. The plan is brilliant and simple. 

Pastors and visitation

I fear that in our day clergy visiting congregation members has been lost, and often for understandable reasons. Clergy are so busy organising events and ministries that we don't get our hands dirty face to face with our congregational partners. But we must remember that all ministry is personal ministry.

Visiting people in their homes says that you care for them. It is in the comfort of a person's home that you can have quiet and deep conversations, or just chat about the things of life. Often chatting is used by God to help people live the life of faith. 

Sometimes we don't even have or make the time to visit those in distress or those who are ill. If the Christian family does not care at these times, who will?

My impression is that many clergy have believed the widespread idea that people think someone visiting their home is an intrusion. Almost all my conversations with congregation members indicate that they would love to have their minister visit them, provided it was not at an inconvenient time.

Congregation members and visitation

While it is important for clergy to put themselves out to spend time with congregation members, visiting is not just the task of the minister. 

Our age is one where the ‘village feel’ of our communities has been lost; and so the sense of community has disappeared. We drive our cars to church, spend a couple of hours together and then drive home.

Meeting people in their homes is an obvious way of growing community, care and discipleship. 

And those who are infirm, in hospital or in need of care? This is the task and responsibility of the whole people of God. 

What do we do?

So how do we go about changing the way we function, so that we will visit each other? 

"¢ We must make time in our very full diaries to regularly spend a night visiting people.

"¢ Gather of group of people who are keen on the ministry of visitation. Find the champion who is keen on visitation. Do it in pairs to teach each other, train each other, and invite others to join you. Modelling is a very powerful way of sharing a vision.

"¢ Don't believe the lie that says people do not want to be interrupted when they have retreated to their homes. People want deep relationships much more than they want relaxation. 

God has given us the wonderful gift of each other. Let's engage with each other more often rather than seeking to minimise contact.