First, the Lord’s Magna Carta to Peter, “Feed your sheep,” is a Magna Carta that builds a “fulfilling self.”
Pastoral care—that is, caring for the sheep entrusted to me—is simultaneously a ministry of caring for myself.
This is not work, but is akin to life design that enhances the quality of our lives.
Only when we know how to care for ourselves can we care for others. Pastoral care is more than just self-development.
I believe that most self-help books on the market remain within a self-centered worldview focused on highlighting one’s own achievements. Of course, some books state that one must become a person who exerts a positive influence. Their worldview defines self-development as living a life where one succeeds and helps others.
However, paradoxically, the Bible tells us to bear our own cross. It demands sacrifice and devotion. In a reality where we live desolate lives where even praying is difficult, devotion to others seems like an impossible dream.
Nevertheless, He tells us to care for our sheep. This is because it is the only way to care for myself. This is because, although it may seem as though I am ministering to others from my own center, I will come to realize that the entire universe exists for me and is caring for me.
Since Jesus has resolved to care for the sheep entrusted to us, He works so that the entire universe cares for me.
In other words, the ministry of pastoral care is God’s amazing plan to build a ‘fulfilled self.’ This plan of God does not remain with me but works through me. He uses me as a tool to help the flock growing together through interaction among those caring for the sheep.
He powerfully develops this not only in the church that gathers but also in the scattered church.
As the times change rapidly, the ministry of pastoral care will become even more necessary. This is because, as the era progresses, the number of souls considered failures—due to intensifying mental stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a sense of falling behind—will increase day by day.
Through the ministry of pastoral care, you will learn much more while caring for others. In other words, you will taste the essence of self-growth and self-care in Jesus Christ.
I would like to call this “Care Humanities.” It is an abbreviation of “Pastoral Care” and “Humanities.” In the future, we will ask many questions through the Humanities. There will be much effort to find the answers to those questions.
While AI may provide quick answers to some, we will feel that there are no answers to others. At such times, we will be guided to God, who created the universe. And we will come to a realization. Just as Paul was able to find the answer to his questions by meeting Him on the road to Damascus when no academic discipline could provide one, I must be that guide.
In this regard, the process of exploring the Humanities is very important. This is because it also enriches our knowledge of God. The “substantial self” is one who seeks the truth.