I had a really challenging talk recently with a group of
United Methodist ministers about one of the ancient pieces of job description
for pastors. The phrase that we kicked
around was “the cure of souls.” It has
been a part of the pastoral task virtually from the beginning. It really takes in just about all of the work
of the pastor.
Now, the way a lot of churches set up the work of its clergy
in modern times, the pastor has responsibility for administration and public
relations and a host of other areas. But
these jobs fall outside of the classic daily work of the priestly figure.
The cure of souls has under its umbrella preaching,
teaching, directing worship and administering the sacraments. A present-day addition might be
counseling. All in all, the category
encompasses all that a pastor might do for the shepherding of a pastoral flock.
The conversation that fostered these thoughts began with an
objection that “cure of souls” is an impossibly awesome task. “Cure” was taken to mean “remedy” or “to make
(absolutely) whole.” The other side of
the debate holds that the term means “to minister,” or “to oversee spiritually.”
A further observation was that “cure” here, rather than
being a medical term, could be an agricultural or culinary term. When we speak of preparing something like a
ham, we understand that we can sugar-cure it, or smoke-cure it, or salt-cure
the ham. “Cure” in this instance carries
with it the meaning of “prepare” or “preserve.”
To prepare or preserve souls, while an awesome task in itself, may
describe the work of a pastor as much as any other simple term.
The original meaning of “cure of souls” was for the shepherding
of individuals or for particular congregations.
In some circles, the Roman Catholic Church among others, cure of souls
reached out beyond the congregational walls and extended over a district or
parish.
Later church understanding replaced “cure” with “care.” I don’t have any real problem with that. But I sort of gravitate toward the old
wineskins, and if that means that I have to do a little more interpretation, so
be it.
Thanks to those who sparked a truly stimulating
discussion. I am still cogitating over
all this a bit.
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