IMPACT OF PASTORAL COUNSELLING AND CARE ON CHURCH GROWTH

The church is both a spiritual living organism and a social entity. As a spiritual body, it survives by feeding on spiritual food- the word of God. As a social organization, it requires effective leadership and direction. The pastor lays a very crucial role in feeding the church not only spiritually as its shepherd, but also providing the requisite leadership and direction necessary for the church to achieve its primary mission and mandate. Pastoral care and counselling represent one means by which the shepherd and leader of the church (the pastor), fulfils his spiritual and social obligation to the church who are his flock.  Pastoral care and counselling are therefore critical ingredients in the life of the church. Without them, there is no real bond between the church leadership and memberships. Without pastoral counselling and care, the problems of members cannot be known and addressed. For churches to grow, pastors and pastoral teams need to ensure that they care for their sheep. This is certainly a critical aspect of the pastoral ministry.