Written by: Nic Allen
In a world filled with constant connection, many people still feel unseen. We can be reached in seconds, followed from a distance, and counted in endless systems, yet still long to be truly known.
Greater accessibility has not always produced greater care. That is why pastoral care is not optional in the Church. It is essential. The people of God need shepherds who know them, pray for them, and walk with them in the love of Christ. But pastoral care is not only something pastors give. It is also something pastors need.
What is Pastoral Care in the Amazon?
At Justice & Mercy International, we see this clearly in the Amazon, where jungle pastors serve on the front lines in remote villages with limited resources, long travel times, and very little encouragement. Many are caring for entire communities while also carrying their own burdens, questions, and fatigue.
That is why JMI’s Jungle Pastors’ Conferences are about more than training. They are also about caring for the pastors themselves. We want these leaders to be known, encouraged, prayed for, and reminded that they are not alone.
The pastoral care we provide at our conferences is the intentional act of seeing and supporting these leaders. A pastor cannot give what they have not received. If the shepherd is exhausted and unsupported, the flock eventually feels that vacancy. We care for them so they can lead from abundance and with fresh strength, represent the heart of the Good Shepherd to their people.
When a leader feels the embrace of the global church, they no longer lead as a “lone ranger.” Instead, they lead as a vital part of a connected body.
The Power of a Name
I remember visiting churches when I was a kid. One pastor stood out because he met us one week and recalled all of our names the following Sunday. I will not say that is the only reason we joined, but we stayed for many years.
Psychologically, a person’s name is considered the “sweetest and most important sound in any language” (Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People). If the pastor knows my name, I feel valued. But if a pastor treats a long-time member like a first-time guest, the person walks away deflated.
This is the fruit of the care we provide at our conferences. We call a jungle pastor by name. We listen to their stories and carry their burdens. This refuels their ability to go home and do the same for their congregation.
Impacting the Community
How does a pastor who is cared for impact their community? They become a gateway for the Gospel.
Our jungle pastors know people’s names. They sit in homes and pray with families. They show up in crises. When we care for these pastors at our conferences, the impact ripples outward:
- To the local church, they return with a rejuvenated spirit. They are prepared to shepherd patiently rather than burn out.
- To the Church as a whole, it strengthens the global bond. It proves that no member of the body is too distant to be forgotten.
- To the community, a healthy pastor is a visible witness of Christ’s love. As they care for their neighbors, those neighbors become open to the truth. They realize they are fully known and loved by Jesus Himself.
Known, Seen, and Loved
As I continue in my role at JMI, I marvel at how God is moving. I see the necessity of pastoral care every time I am in Brazil. This includes our staff and the hundreds of pastors serving the Amazon.
Each one has a name. We make sure we know them.
By caring for the pastor, we ensure the flock is a family rather than a project. Biblical pastoral care represents the Good Shepherd who calls his own sheep by name. Every person carries the same God-given desire to be seen and loved. When we care for the pastor, we open the doorway for an entire community to encounter the love of Christ.
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