He is not yet Chief Apostle. Yet at the District Apostles’ Meeting in Cape Town, he already highlighted two priorities: pastoral care as a focus and the continuation of teamwork as a method.

Not programmes, lists, or control—when Chief Apostle Helper Helge Mutschler talks about pastoral care, he has something quite different in mind: a relational approach. And this is precisely where the path begins—one that the District Apostle Meeting has already embarked upon and is now continuing.

At the recent meeting in Cape Town, the future Chief Apostle presented findings from an ongoing process: insights from workshops, questions raised in discussion groups, and initial responses to these questions. 

The starting point goes back several months. In Zurich, the District Apostles and District Apostle Helpers had begun discussing pastoral care. What works? What no longer works? Where are the limits? And who ultimately bears responsibility?  

Keeping reality in view

The next step now followed. The presentation in Cape Town did not start with rules, but with the realities of life. The circumstances people live in are very diverse and are shaped by their family, career, health, culture, and personal experiences. Individualisation, time pressures, migration, and changing lifestyles have long since influenced church life as well.  

The conclusion: pastoral care must take this reality seriously. For despite all these changes, the longing for genuine encounters remains and may even be growing. 

A redefined role

The minister, Chief Apostle Helper Mutschler emphasised, is “a companion and proclaimer”, not a problem solver and not a decision-making authority. Members are not objects of church care, but individuals with a sense of personal responsibility. God Himself remains the ultimate agent.  

This has implications. Pastoral care must neither patronise nor manipulate. Advice is not to be imposed. Love needs freedom. And pastoral care has its limits: it is not a substitute for therapy, legal advice, or social work.  

Pastoral care is based on three pillars: interest, empathy, and authenticity. These principles are not a method, but an expression of divine love. This almost inevitably leads to a form of pastoral care that reaches out to people.

More than just a matter of ministry

Pastoral care is being conceived in broader terms. While responsibility remains with the priestly ministries—particularly regarding sacraments and specific pastoral duties—it is also becoming clear that mutual care forms part of the responsibility of the entire congregation: support, prayer, companionship, and practical help in everyday life.   

The work is far from complete. However, the roadmap ahead is already clear: first, the results are to be evaluated, and further feedback gathered. This will be followed by the consolidation of the findings into a position paper, which will be sent to the District Apostles once again and discussed further in the second half of the year. 

Author: Andreas Rother

Source: nac.today