A very interesting question, right? If you “perform” the functions of a typical pastoral visitation or any other functions generally outlined under “pastoral care” in an online setting, does it count?
William Vanderbloemen ponders this question about his use of Facebook with a parishioner who was in the ICU while he was in another location. He chatted briefly and had a good, worthwhile interaction.
Is this legitimate? Perhaps another questions might be is it really effective?
What’s your take? Is Social Media Pastoral Care “good?”
[Image from Patricia]
Jim says
i think it goes a long ways, whether personal or online…but every pastor is different in their "bedside"manner.
Marsha Saucier says
I wonder if ministers asked themselves the same question when the telephone was invented. Is it proper to call if I can’t be there in person?
Yes, a personal touch is needed with pastoral care but when duty calls you elsewhere it can be difficult.
I think just knowing that my minister is thinking of me and mine when he can’t be there physically would be a comfort.
Bob Hostetler says
Good point, Marsha. The demands of pastoral care are so great, it can't be an "either/or" situation. We must employ any and all means that encourage and equip the flock. I wrote more on this in my blog post months ago, "Facebook Makes Better Pastors" (http://desperatepastor.blogspot.com/2009/04/faceb…
Josh Wagner says
Ok, here's my take. Short answer: Yes, it's "good."
Long answer: The people actually need to know the pastor for it to be truly effective. If you have no idea who's on the other screen, then it isn't as "real" as it would be if you actually had met and spoken with the person.
Marsha above has a good point with the phone, as I'm sure something like this was discussed about that! We should leverage new technology, but we can't be defined by it. (Hrm, sounds like Flickering Pixels… 😉 )
youngdesign says
Don't forget Skype!
Our Internet Campus pastor uses Skype a lot to catch up with people.
It's all well and good talking with people online through chat, why not take it a step further with a personal Video call… it's even better than a telephone as you can see response/expression/love right there on your screen!
I think that asking 'does it count' is totally dependent on the person! I could have the pastor talk with me one-on-one for hours but if I don't find it to be a useful conversation – it will never 'count'.
Conversations 'count' whenever the -people in- the conversation feel it was worthwhile… not whether -we feel their- conversation was worthwhile.
Lex says
I think it's good when the pastor can't be there. Or for not-so-urgent matters. Of course, it's always nice if the pastor can make it to a hospital bedside in serious situations, but I think everyone knows their pastor is busy too.
Jeremy Wilder says
In youth ministry it is indispensable. They won't answer the phone, never home for a visit. They will respond to Myspace, Facebook and Twitter, IM, and text with no problems. If I had not embraced social media, I would have missed numerous opportunities for ministry.