Special Topic – Who Is Responsible for Pastoral Care in the Local Congregation?

Every congregation I’ve been part of or spoken with affirms the importance of pastoral care. Yet some struggle to define what pastoral care is, while others wrestle with determining who within the congregation is responsible for providing it. Are ministers or elders the primary ones called to walk pastorally alongside congregants? Should responsibility belong to those with formal titles or to those who are spiritually gifted for this work? And most importantly, how do we ensure that the needs of all our congregants are truly met?