The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, has called on church officers to strengthen pastoral care through intentional visitation, effective follow-up, attention to vulnerable members and the promotion of spiritually healthy homes.
He made the call on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when he joined officers of the Odorkor Zone of the Odorkor Area for the second Area Officers’ Retreat, where he delivered a sermon on Pastoral Care, highlighting the biblical responsibilities of church leaders and practical approaches to nurturing members.
Drawing from Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:1–3, Apostle Obuobi explained that caring for the flock is a sacred responsibility entrusted to church leaders by the Holy Spirit. He noted that in The Church of Pentecost, this responsibility is shared between ministers and the presbytery, comprising elders, deacons and deaconesses. He urged officers to shepherd members willingly, lead by example and avoid exercising authority in a domineering manner.
He identified visitation and the ministry of presence as fundamental elements of effective pastoral care, explaining that officers must intentionally engage members in their everyday lives and be available in both moments of grief and seasons of celebration. Citing the ministry of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, he emphasised that pastoral care goes beyond pulpit ministry to include personal engagement, encouragement, prayer and spiritual oversight within members’ homes.
Apostle Obuobi further stressed the need to pay particular attention to vulnerable and marginalised members, including the bereaved, the aged, orphans and the sick. He explained that the vibrancy of a church could be measured, in part, by how it treats those who need special care and support. He also encouraged officers to reach out deliberately to members who had drifted from fellowship, while promoting family altars and personal devotions to sustain the spiritual well-being of households.
Addressing the practical and ethical dimensions of pastoral care, the General Secretary underscored confidentiality, respect for privacy, appropriate conduct and professional boundaries during pastoral engagements. He cautioned officers against gossiping about members’ personal circumstances, making inappropriate advances or using visitation as an opportunity to seek personal favours, loans or business patronage. According to him, officers must approach every visit as an opportunity to be a blessing rather than a burden.
He also urged officers to develop the ability to recognise signs of hidden hardship, emotional distress, family challenges, financial difficulties and declining participation in church activities. Such observations, he explained, could help officers identify members in need of timely intervention. However, he noted that situations involving severe mental distress, medical concerns, safeguarding risks or matters beyond an officer’s competence must be referred promptly to trained counsellors, qualified health professionals or the District Minister.
On strengthening pastoral care structures, Apostle Obuobi highlighted the importance of the Bible Study and Home Cell System, the shepherding system, welfare committees, and an effective membership database and tracking system. He explained that these structures could help the Church maintain meaningful contact with members, identify emerging needs and provide coordinated support.
Concluding the presentation, Apostle Obuobi emphasised the importance of accurate and timely reporting in pastoral care. He explained that church officers serve as a bridge between members and the District Minister and must promptly communicate situations requiring higher-level intervention, including severe illness, serious marital crises and requests for church-level financial assistance.
He urged officers to report such matters accurately and responsibly to ensure that members receive the appropriate care and support. The presentation reinforced the need for pastoral care to be deliberate, compassionate, confidential and well-coordinated, with every officer playing an active role in the spiritual and general well-being of the congregation.
PENT NEWS.
