Product Description

Visiting the sick, lonely or downcast is a duty we all have as Christians. It is not to be left to ministers or elders but is a responsibility for all those who seek to follow Christ's perfect example. The problem often arises when we actually make the visit. Discussing the weather or the hospital food is all very well but for our visit to have maximum value we need to try and help the person spiritually. Reading our favorite Bible passage might suffice once but it cannot be apt to every situation and what happens when you visit for a second time? This is where this book helps. Providing Scripture readings, a prayer and even a suggested hymn for a wide range of possible visits it is a wonderfully useful tool. Written by authors with long pastoral experience it will prove a real help to all those who seek to turn the routine visit into a time of real spiritual growth.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #943286 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

About the Author
A Consultant Cardiologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for some 25 years, David Short was appointed Physician to Her Majesty the Queen in 1977 and then Emeritus Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Aberdeen. In addition to his medical career he was both a preacher of Gods Word and a pastor, particularly to the sick, bereaved and discouraged. Together with his wife Joan, he prayed faithfully and systematically for the many whom God laid on their hearts. He died in May 2005. Until his retirement in 2005 David Searle was Director of Rutherford House, a theological research and study centre in Edinburgh. Prior to that he pastored two Churches of Scotland before moving to Bangor, County Down in Northern Ireland where he pastored Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church for eight years from 1985.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Resource
PASTORAL VISITATION By David Short

I just purchased my seventh copy of this fine little resource.

The book contains 20 brief chapters addressing pastoral situations such as Hospital Admission, Bereavement, Fear of Losing Independence, Anxiety about the Future, The Sceptic, The Self-Righteous... Under each chapter are a few directional comments about how to approach a situation in general, followed by several pages of scripture verses. Each verse listed is attended by a sentence or two of thoughtful application. The chapter closes with suggestions for prayer and a hymn.

I find it helpful to glance over the an applicable chapter before doing a pastoral visit. This primes my mind with several God-centering scriptures and pastoral encouragments that help me to minister to people more thoughtfully. I've also used the 20 chapter format as a good place to file and write in my own pastoral notes and helpful scriptures.

I would recommend this book for a pastor, and elder, or deacon who has regular opportunity to make pastoral visits. Christian medical workers (doctors, nurses, etc...) will also find this a magnificent tool. Notice that the author was a unique combination: cardiologist and preacher. He clearly knows the heart of the patient... more imporantly, he know the heart of his God.

Pastor, be prepared to buy an extra copy for your lay leaders. This is a tool that enables and equips others besides yourself.

Your brother in Christ, Chuck Walton

PS. I have found the companion volumes titled: "Calls to Worship" and "Benedictions" to be resources of lesser value.