Our church was blessed with the birth of two new babies last weekend, in fact they were born 24 hours apart. As we celebrated the birth of these puppies, I began to get excited about the privilege of going to the hospital, being one of the first to see and support the baby, and to care for parents in what is always one of the most important moments of their lives. Here are some things to think about as you take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to serve new parents in their church:
Hold the baby. If you feel uncomfortable reading these three words, feel free to ignore them. I had trouble holding babies before you had mine, but if you want and know how to do it, I encourage you to take a few minutes and carry the baby. Parents (assuming they are comfortable with this) will be encouraged by your efforts to visit them and your interest in the new family member. Holding the baby is the best way to communicate this to them. Provisionally, it is also used to have contact with babies, as my wife and I no longer plan to have children. It’s a little privilege of pastoral care.
- Read Psalm 139.
- This is one of the best Bible passages to read on these occasions.
- The Psalmist highlights how God knows each of us intimately.
- As a creator.
- Created in his image.
- What wonderful truths there are here about God as the Creator of this Always It is a gift to read to a mother who has been carrying this child for nine months.
- Is sorry to move and has just give birth.
- Making him hear these words: “Because you have my kidneys.
- You covered me in my mother’s womb.
- I will congratulate you.
- For in an incredible and wonderful way I was created (vv.
- 13-14).
- What a beautiful reminder to these parents about God’s ruling hand and guidance to bring this child into their lives.
Pray for the baby’s soul. You must pray for the fathers, for the physical recovery of the mother and thank God for this child who is “astonishingly, so wonderfully done. “But above all, pray for this child’s soul. Pray that the Lord will begin, even now, to open his little heart to know, love, and serve Christ all his days. Pray that these parents will be faithful in teaching her the gospel so that she will respond to the gospel in her youth. As we pray in this way, many great theological truths about salvation come to the surface and can act as a stimulus and a great time to teach parents.
Encourage the mother. Yes, the husband/father was also very involved in everything, but the mother of this new little one has the greatest challenges for the near future. Physical restoration of the body and emotional adjustments in the weeks and months after delivery are very delicate and significant. Postpartum depression is a very common reality among women and should never be ignored or taken for granted. Encourage the mother to seek the support of other women in the church who were once mothers. Encourage her to ask questions and seek advice. If you realize you’re really going through a difficult time, don’t underestimate her, but call your husband and a faithful wife in church to hear it.
If you think about it, there are very few life-changing events we celebrate in the life of an inpatient person, as a pastor. Enjoy these events when they happen, as the sudden, difficult and tragic opportunities to visit a hospital will always be there.
By: Brian Croft. © 2010 Practical Shepherding. Facebook; Twittering; Original: How do you care for parents of a new baby in the hospital?
Translation: Camila Rebeca Almeida. Revision: William Teixeira Pedrosa © 2015 Ministério Fiel. All rights reserved. Website: MinisterioFiel. com. br. Original: 4 tips for pastors when visiting the parents of a newborn
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