Meyu Changkiri
The day after Mother’s Day, my wife and I visited the elderly mothers who were unable to attend the church’s Mother’s Day Service. Some of them had physical limitations that kept them homebound, and others were no longer able to care for themselves. One particular mother has lost her ability to speak clearly over the past few years – her words are difficult to understand, yet her spirit remains beautifully expressive. The excitement in their eyes, the joy in their trembling voices, and their warm, lingering hugs were simply priceless. These were not just casual greetings; they were sacred moments of connection that touched the soul.
Over the years, my wife and I have learned an important truth: when visiting elderly people, don’t be in a hurry. Stay longer. Sit with them. Let them speak, even if their stories repeat or their words come slowly. They have so much to tell – stories woven with faith, endurance, and love. And often, it is hard to take our leave, for every farewell feels like a sacred departure from someone whose life has shaped the very fabric of our community.
The Joy and Meaning in Visiting the Elderly
Visiting elderly people is not only emotionally rewarding – it is deeply spiritual. These visits are windows into wisdom and a bridge to blessings. The elderly carry with them a treasury of life experience: their stories are testaments to perseverance, faith, and God’s faithfulness through decades of joy, loss, and transformation. Listening to them offers us insight into our own lives and reminds us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.
As Proverbs 16:31 tells us, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” In every lined face, in every faltering step, lies a testimony of faith lived out over time. Honoring them is not optional – it is commanded. Scripture is clear: “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone”(Psalm 71:9), and “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God” (Leviticus 19:32).
Loneliness is one of the heaviest burdens the elderly bear. Many live alone or in care homes, with infrequent visitors and dwindling social circles. When we visit them, we bring a breath of fresh air and a spark of joy. They feel remembered, valued, and cherished. Their spirits are lifted, and so are ours. What begins as a ministry to give often becomes a moment where we ourselves receive – peace through their prayers, joy through their laughter, and strength through their unwavering faith.
Our presence tells them: You are not forgotten. You still matter. You still have a voice. And indeed, they do. They are still vital members of the church and society, even if they can no longer attend services or serve in visible roles. Spending time with them reminds us to slow down and appreciate life. It builds our patience, deepens our empathy, and teaches us gratitude. Visiting the elderly bridges generations – it connects young and old in love and mutual respect, modeling what it means to live out the gospel within the Body of Christ.
Visiting the elderly is, ultimately, a sacred act of love. It fulfills God’s call to care for one another, and it brings joy to both giver and receiver. We come away from these visits not depleted, but richer – in love, in wisdom, in perspective, and in faith.
The Pastoral Power of Home Visitations
As pastors, visiting homes – especially those of the elderly, the sick, the grieving, and the struggling – is not just an optional gesture. It is a biblical calling and a powerful expression of Christ-like shepherding. Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him – He went to them. “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news… and healing every disease and sickness” (Matthew 9:35). When He visited Zacchaeus’ home (Luke 19:1–10), it was a transformational encounter.
Likewise, the Apostle Paul said to the Ephesian elders, “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). House visits were a normal part of apostolic ministry. And they remain essential today.
When pastors visit homes, they get to know the real lives of their flock. As Proverbs 27:23 reminds us, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” In people’s homes, away from the formalities of church walls, hearts open. Conversations become real. Tears are shared. Struggles are named. Prayers become deeply personal.
Some burdens can’t be unpacked from the pew. They require the living room – the presence of someone willing to sit, listen, and love. In these quiet spaces, pastors can offer biblical counsel tailored to individual needs, often bringing healing, restoration, and renewed faith.
Home visits also allow pastors to model spiritual practices – prayer, Scripture reading, family devotions. They strengthen families, especially those struggling to establish spiritual routines. Visiting homes of inactive members can rekindle their connection with the church. Sometimes, even unbelieving family members are touched by the personal care shown by a pastoral visit.
Through these visits, pastors gain insight into the daily realities people face – financial stress, strained relationships, silent pain. These insights inform not only how we care but also how we preach. Our sermons become more relevant because they are born out of lived understanding.
Pastoral visits reflect the heart of God – who sees, knows, and dwells with His people. They nurture community, hospitality, and mutual care. A church that is frequently visited by its pastor is a church that knows it is loved.
And in the end, home visitations do something vital for the pastor’s own soul. They keep us grounded. They remind us that ministry is not just about delivering sermons or managing programs – it is about walking with people, being present in their valleys and victories. It softens our hearts, strengthens our compassion, and keeps us humble before God and His people.
Conclusion
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). A shepherd does not simply preach from the pulpit – he walks into the homes, hospitals, and heartaches of his flock. He listens. He prays. He cares.
Whether we are visiting a frail mother who cannot speak, or sitting beside a grieving widow, or encouraging a discouraged father – these visits are not minor moments. They are holy encounters.
So let us continue to go. Not because we must, but because we are called. And because in every visit, we carry the presence of Christ – the Shepherd who never forgets a single sheep.
~ Meyu Changkiri