Recently a number of situations came to my at­tention that caused me to reflect on the pastoral care that the office bearers are to give to the flock of Christ. Often the men who serve in the office of elder or deacon are busy men. We have our own families that make many demands upon us, we need to pay attention to our work or business and then there are the home visits, diaconal visits and special visits that need to be made. If an elder has two or three problem cases in his ward, that is about as much as any elder can deal with. Not only will there be the challenge to find the time needed, but it will also take an emotional toll on the elder. Know­ing the work load and pressure that the office bearers often face, it is not strange that there are spiritual needs in the congregation that are often overlooked.

In the first place, it is important that the dis­tricts or wards do not become too large. When a ward becomes too large there is only enough time for the yearly home visits, and once that marathon is completed the office bearers have little energy to make other visits. It has been my experience that, once spring arrives, the office bearers no longer have the energy needed to make the extra visits that need to be done. Therefore, the wards should be small enough to be able to comfortably do the yearly home visits and yet allow ample time to make the follow-up visits that are needed.

One of the more difficult aspects of the office is to know and understand what the needs of the flock really are. There are some members who are "high maintenance" in that they require or demand a lot of attention and others who need or require very little attention. Many do not have any expectation from the office bearer and others quickly feel slighted or forgotten if no attention is given to them. Office bearers need to be careful that they do not only cater to those who make demands, but that they also keep in mind the other members of the congrega­tion. Keeping those members in mind can be rewarding, as it will be an enjoyable part of the work. We are often strengthened after a visit to a brother or sister who expresses much joy in their faith. That can give renewed energy to tackle the more difficult situations in the congregation for it reminds us that the good­ness and power of the Lord is at work in the congregation.

Every office bearer should have a list of his ward that includes the names, ages and birth­days of the parents and the children, as well as anniversaries. This is important informa­tion in preparation for the home visits, but it is also useful in living along with the members in your ward. I would suggest that you might call to congratulate the members of the ward with their special occasions or to slip a card into their mailbox. Children and teens will certainly remember that their elder took enough interest in them to congratulate them with their birth­day. It opens up an avenue of contact with the younger members of the congregation.

As office bearers you also need to pay atten­tion to the covenant youth. It is usually easier to speak with fellow adults than to interact with the youth of the church. The youth gener­ally will appreciate it when their elder shows interest in what they are doing. At church you might make it a point to ask a young mem­ber in your ward about what they are doing. Elders can also invite a young person or even a group of young people out for coffee. You will be amazed at the discussions that will often develop concerning their faith, their church life or even their concerns about what is happening in the world.

This list should also include such things as the death of a spouse, or the death of a child or some other traumatic events that have affected the family. In the first number of years it may be beneficial for the elder to contact the fam­ily around the anniversary of these events and in the regular contact it is beneficial to speak about these things from time to time. While we naturally tend to avoid such issues, it is often a comfort for the family to have an opportu­nity to speak with someone about a loved one whom they have lost. It is important for them to know that others still remember their loved one.

It is also important that we keep in mind those who are hurting. Office bearers are often busy with a problem and trying to resolve a problem but forget about those who are suffering. For example, we may become so focused on the sick brother or sister that we forget to pay at­tention to the spouse or other family members who struggle with the fact that their loved one is ill. We may become so involved with a young member who is going astray that we forget to encourage the parents who are hurting as they struggle with their wayward child.

When there is sickness or death, usually the minister is expected to visit in the hospital or in the home. That indeed belongs to the task of the ministers of the gospel, but the elders must also see it as their task to visit and give encourage­ment. In such situations the minister and elder should be able to coordinate their visits and decide on how they will provide for the spiri­tual care of the family.

I would also suggest that every office bearer keep a list of his ward on his desk or bulletin board in order to review the list on a regular basis. As you mentally go through the list, keep in mind the circumstances and needs of each member. It may not always be necessary to make a visit. Many times you may only need to pick up the phone and ask how things are go­ing and whether there are any needs in which you are able to assist. Although most times such members may not need any help, they will certainly appreciate that the elder or deacon cared enough to ask. It will build a bond that will make your work that much more effective.

Perhaps more important than all the other suggestions is that you remember the needs of members of your ward in your prayers. After you have mentally gone through your ward, take the time to pray for the sheep under your care. As shepherds of the flock we realize our own limitations. We are not able to carry all the cares and concerns and needs of the flock on our shoulders and therefore it is such a joy and relief to be able to put those cares and needs before the great Shepherd who is able to pro­vide for all his people. As we bring the needs of the flock before the great Shepherd, it will also draw us closer to the sheep the Lord has placed in our care.

These are just some practical ideas to stimulate us in better serving the needs of those Christ has placed in our care. Our first and foremost thought must be the well-being of the sheep. I am sure that others have also given this much thought.  If you have other ideas that may be useful or if your consistory has implemented certain policies to ensure that the needs of the flock are being filled, please send them to me. In a future edition we can pass on the ideas that you may have.

With regard to another topic, you will find in this issue an article concerning an interpretation of Genesis 1 that takes what is called a "Frame­work" approach. The reason that we have included this article is that this has become a topic of discussion in the Reformed Churches in North America. This has not become an issue in the Canadian Reformed Churches, but it is be­ing discussed in the United Reformed Churches as well as the Orthodox Presbyterian Churches. The RCUS have taken an official stand against this approach to Genesis 1 and the URC dealt with the issue and have adopted a statement with regard to Genesis 1. Since there are ongo­ing discussions between these Church federa­tions in regard to church unity, it is important that we have an understanding of the issue. Hopefully the article will give a better under­standing of the issues that are at stake in this matter.