By: Pastor Brandon Freeman
In 1538, Martin Bucer published a book titled Concerning the True Care of Souls, which primarily examines the responsibilities of pastors. However, the first section of Bucer’s book addresses the whole church, which consists of church members whose “office and work [are] for the general good of the whole body and all its members.” Bucer acknowledges that soul care is the work of church members as well as church leaders. The role of the pastors, Bucer indicates, is to equip the saints for the chief work of doing spiritual good to one another (Eph 4:12), i.e., the mutual care of souls.
But practically, how do we minister to one another in everyday life? What does it look like to engage one another in thoughtful ways that foster spiritually meaningful conversations?
In the general topics and specific questions that follow, I want to provide pathways for orienting our conversations with church members in a Godward direction and toward each other’s spiritual maturity. When we are thoughtful in what we say to each other, we display obedience to the Lord as Hebrews 10:24 instructs: “And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works.”
General Topics
God: God is the source of infinite subject matter. You could consider with a church member:
God’s attributes and actions. Discuss the biblical truth of the Trinity’s power and righteousness or God’s redemption and providence.
The person and work of Christ. Maybe someone would be edified through knowing more about His deity, humanity, perfection, atonement, or intercession.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit. Consider how He gives believers insight on Scripture’s meaning, glorifies Christ (Jn 16), and guides Christians in righteousness.
Scripture. Discuss the storyline, nature, and right interpretation of the Bible.
Theology. Subcategories include Biblical Theology (the whole story of the whole Bible), Systematic Theology (what the Bible says about certain subjects), Historical Theology (how interpreters of old understood various passages), and Practical Theology (how we live out God’s Word).
Church: Another point of conversation can take place around the church—what the church is and what’s going on in the local church.
Preaching and teaching. Consider the current sermon series or an Equipping Group topic.
Doctrine. What does the Bible say about the Lord’s Supper, baptism, membership, or plurality of pastors?
Relationships. Who are members you should get to know?
Ministry. What are areas of needed service in the church or someone’s ministry that you have benefitted from or where you can serve?
Evidences of grace among church members. How is someone growing in the Lord and encouraging you personally?
Christian Living: Within the Christian life, there are a variety of practical issues to take up, most importantly, how can we be faithful to Christ through knowing his Word?
Bible intake. You could discuss different Bible reading strategies like listening to the Bible, immersing yourself in a small portion of Scripture, or getting help through a trusted study Bible.
Habits. This includes daily prayer, meeting with church members, or reading a helpful book before bed.
Sanctification. Discuss and encourage other members in overcoming lust, impatience, ingratitude, joylessness or other nagging sins.
Family. Our church covenant calls us to educate our children in the Christian faith. You could ask a family in the church how they seek to do this. Similarly, ask church members how they are doing with family devotions, godly singleness, faithfulness in widowhood, or marital unity.
Discipling and evangelism. A 10-week Equipping Group class on evangelism is available in room 101 at 10:45 AM to help class participants work toward a lifestyle of biblical evangelism.
Resources: Consider written or audio material that give us a deeper understanding of God, the church, theology, and Christian living.
Books. Classics include Knowing God by J.I. Packer, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs, and Roland Bainton’s biography of Martin Luther.
Podcasts. Much good content can be found through Biblical Training, Ask Pastor John, 9Marks Pastors’ Talk.
Sermons. Trusted expositors like Kevin DeYoung, Steven Lawson, D.A. Carson, Thomas Schreiner, and Ligon Duncan will bless you. Consult a pastor on other faithful preachers who are worth listening to.
Videos. Helpful video content can be found through Look at the Book, Tough Topics with Southern Seminary faculty, Credo Magazine, or The Gospel Coalition’s YouTube or Vimeo channel.
Articles. Desiring God, For the Church, and The Gospel Coalition release new articles every day. Keep a look out for articles at our own LBC blog as well.
Those general topics can be useful material for helping us fulfill our responsibility as church members in caring for each other’s souls. Now, I want to offer similar content in the form of specific questions you can ask one another.
Specific Questions
How did God save you?
Who are your spiritual role models?
What stood out to you in last week’s sermon?
How is your prayer life?
How is your enjoyment of God?
What are you meditating on in Scripture?
Have you read a helpful book recently?
Are there any trips you are looking to take soon?
Have you done anything enjoyable recently?
Is there anything that excites or scares you about the future?
Can we pray about anything today? If so, go ahead and voice a brief prayer to God.
How is your time management?
What truths of the gospel are particularly sweet to you right now?
How is your family life?
Are you meeting with any church member(s) regularly?
Whose salvation are you praying for?
How are you serving the church?
Where do you find yourself growing in the Lord?
Is there a spiritual habit you are making progress in?
Are there any areas where you are straying from the Lord?
Such topics and questions give opportunity for us to learn, teach, correct, encourage, model, and grow as members of LBC. This information not only benefits others as you pass on your spiritual strengths, but they also grant occasion to be transparent about your weaknesses.
Every conversation does not need to be heavy, spiritual, or stale. However, we should be intentional to shape our words and postures to help fellow members follow Jesus. These kinds of interactions over months and years will lead to a culture of soul care where each member takes responsibility for the spiritual good of the entire church, and the entire church takes responsibility for the spiritual good of each member.