Mr. Brands is an elder in the Protestant Reformed Church of Loveland, Colorado. It is in keeping with our theme, “Shepherding God’s Flock,” that we now consider the involvement of the elders and deacons in the labors of pastoral care. I take it for granted that you are all agreed that the elders and deacons have a definite responsibility in regard to pastoral care. What we must determine is to what extent we are to be involved in this work, and what is the precise character of our work. Although our ministers especially have been given the title of pastors,...