The Lost Art of Visitation

​The Unknown Minister is an accurate depiction of the roles a pioneer Baptist minister fulfilled in Ontario. One important scene at the centre is that of pastoral visitation. The first Baptist minister in this area, Rev. Alexander Stewart, walked many miles (in all sorts of weather) visiting cabins and families, etc, to catechize (teach), administer ordinances, encourage, etc. Though much has changed in the world in which we minister, this ought to remain a constant principle. 

Click here toHowever, for as much as I’ve striven to be a visiting pastor/elder this is not the experience of many members. I met a man last year who was new to the church. He had been a Christian for years and attended a solid Baptist church. NEVER in all his Christian life had a pastor/elder ever visited his home! I was shocked and saddened.

In Acts 20 Paul sets his ministry before the Ephesian elders as an example to follow. Chiefly, how he “lived among you” (v. 18), teaching from “house to house” (v. 20) and caring “for the church of God” (v. 28). Elder/overseers/shepherds must be amongst the flock, being an example, knowing and setting a vision, feeding and caring for the flock.

While I seek to incorporate this into my ministry I confess many things impede it. There is the steady stream of teaching and necessary meetings, phone calls, etc. Those other related duties or emergency counselling sessions (themselves a form of visitation). There is also the strain of meeting with new members, baptismal candidates, etc. Still, despite the various pressures that would eat away at my time I try to visit at least 2 people/families a week (or in a medium sized church every person/family about twice a year). We also host a Life Group and other fellowship opportunities. I encourage the other elders to regularly contact our members and adherents.
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However, visitation (or fellowship) isn’t only an elders responsibility. Hospitality is a Christian virtue and practice. Upon their conversions both Lydia and the Philippian jailer both were hospitable to the brothers. And think of how often Jesus visited and dined with people. While some may have the gift of hospitality, the Bible calls all believers to be hospitable. When was the last time you visited or had someone from the church to your home? (maybe even an elder?).