Comments on: Testing the Social Media Limits of Pastoral Care

By: Henk Lups

Henk Lups — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 03:44:56 +0000

Although the digital age provids new tools to pastoral carers, I guess that the relationship between the the persons is still irreplaceble as it is the gateway through which burdens are shared. I got an email from a good friend just when I needed encouragement. My experience is that at these times my faith is low! I’m sure many will recognize this. His email was what I needed and underpinned by his focus on Christ.

So we have an opportunity to use the means of communication by which we can share and care. Isn’t that great!

By: Peggy

Peggy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:15:31 +0000

Our society has started the descent from genuine contact to virtual contact and we are paying for it. So many of our problems stem from lack of intimacy. Now it looks as if the church will follow. Jesus said, “Be in the world but not of the world”. I wonder what he meant and how we can apply his words to today’s topic? Of course if you are unable to be there in person the next best thing is to make that facebook contact. The question is how many of us make decisions prior to that moment that keep us at a distance physically, emotionally and spiritually? Sometimes “facebook” is just an excuse to “Keep on doing what I want to do without regard to the needs of others”. When in doubt take the high road.

By: Chris Salzman

Chris Salzman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:11:08 +0000

Sergio, thanks for your thoughts!

By: Chris Salzman

Chris Salzman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:08:55 +0000

Thanks for the intriguing article!

By: Kenny

Kenny — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 14:42:07 +0000

This is such an interesting question. Every aspect of church is being experimented with in digital format. All these force us to consider what are the requirements for the definitions.

For example, does live streaming, interactive worship services on an iPhone with hundreds of others doing the same around the world at same time the same thing as corporate worship in a brick and mortar church building?

What are the fundamental requirements for something to be considered corporate worship?

I agree that almost everyone will agree with the “supplemental” view, but the big question is “replacement”.

Thanks for the food for thought!

By: William Vanderbloemen

William Vanderbloemen — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:59:04 +0000

Thanks for the mention! I’m glad to be included in your postings; – they are respected work.

William Vanderbloemen

By: Sergio

Sergio — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:22:32 +0000

Pastoral care is about, communication that Jesus care to him
Good communication with people, contact them, keep a relationship with them is so important in pastoral care, I think not only by facebook but by phone, or letter there is pastoral care. I think in some way there are some advantages in this digital era because, you go in at the same time, some houses, every day, various times in the same day, just into the work or houses of your parishioner. This bring to you bigger responsibility