The practice of pastoral visitation in homes has fallen on hard times. For many of our forefathers in the faith, however, it was deemed an essential part of ministry, enabling effective oversight of the souls of the people of God.

This week, we 'revisit' the area of pastoral visitation, although for many of us, it may be the first time we've considered the nature and benefits of this practice for ourselves and those we may serve in the church.

Featured Resources:

– 'Pastoral Visitation—A Needed Revival', James Howard Lynch, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 731–732 (August & September 2024).

– Excerpts from Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, with an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency (1850; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2018), pp. 344–360.

– Ian Hamilton audio taken from Pastoral Visitation

– Excerpts from 'The Directory for the Public Worship of God' in The Westminster Confession, with Associated Historical Documents (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2023), pp. 562, 574.

The artwork featured with this week's episode is Richard Norris Brooke's 'A Pastoral Visit' (1881, Public Domain, now at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.)

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