One of the most explicit soul care passages about soul care ministry in the New Testament is Galatians 6:1-5.

“1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.”(NKJV)

I wrote this brief expository outline. Feel free to adapt, apply, and teach it.

Guidelines for Soul Care Ministry

A. Responsibilities to fulfill

1. Assist the defeated. “if a man is overtaken” v. 1
2. Restore the wayward. “in any trespass … restore such a one” v. 1
3. Give compassionate help. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” v. 2
4. Evaluate your ministry. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” v. 4

B. Virtues to cultivate

1. Be spiritual. “you who are spiritual” v. 1
2. Be gentle. “in a spirit of gentleness” v. 1
3. Be cautious. “considering yourself lest you also be tempted” v. 1

C. Faults to avoid

1. Pride. “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” v. 3
2. Codependency. “For each one shall bear his own load.” v. 5

Helpers can carry out this ministry only through God’s enablement and guidance. We offer biblical soul care as we walk in the Spirit, are led by the Spirit, and bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 18, 22,23).

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JBW