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Taking Heed to the Flock: A Study of the Principles and Practice of Family Visitation
Excellent Book
86 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2003
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 23, 2016
A short (86 pages), but solid introduction to family visitation. The author assumes a lot, which is expected in a book this short. Most pastors and elders should be able to pull out some solid points which they can transfer to the more modern setting and to their own parishes.
The book argues for family visitation, which is different from one on one counseling. He says it should be done at least once a year and announced to the congregation beforehand. Again you don't need to adopt all the specifics to learn from the basic pattern. He encourages it because it helps the minister and elders to know the state of their flock better. The most helpful section was where he addressed objections to family visitation. The benefit of this section is that the author clarifies some misconceptions about this practice. As he addresses each objection he also gives a fuller picture of what family visitation is supposed to be about. At the end he has some questions that can be used, but strenuously rejects that all questions should be asked every time or that the elders should move through them in a rote fashion.
What I really enjoyed was that the practice was motivated by love for Christ and the congregation. The goal is not to spy or pry, but instead to encourage, exhort, and occasionally rebuke. Regular, consistent visitation is a lost art in our culture, which is a shame because, done rightly, it can have a great impact on the unity, love, and health of the local church. If you are looking for a basic introduction to the practice from a Reformed perspective this is a good place to start.
The book argues for family visitation, which is different from one on one counseling. He says it should be done at least once a year and announced to the congregation beforehand. Again you don't need to adopt all the specifics to learn from the basic pattern. He encourages it because it helps the minister and elders to know the state of their flock better. The most helpful section was where he addressed objections to family visitation. The benefit of this section is that the author clarifies some misconceptions about this practice. As he addresses each objection he also gives a fuller picture of what family visitation is supposed to be about. At the end he has some questions that can be used, but strenuously rejects that all questions should be asked every time or that the elders should move through them in a rote fashion.
What I really enjoyed was that the practice was motivated by love for Christ and the congregation. The goal is not to spy or pry, but instead to encourage, exhort, and occasionally rebuke. Regular, consistent visitation is a lost art in our culture, which is a shame because, done rightly, it can have a great impact on the unity, love, and health of the local church. If you are looking for a basic introduction to the practice from a Reformed perspective this is a good place to start.
September 20, 2016
Peter Y. De Jong makes an excellent case for family visitation. I found it to be a thought-provoking book. Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews