Questions about Pastoral Observations

These questions are useful guides in learning to notice pastoral situations when they arise, evaluate them, and respond to them.

Imagine the scene: The youth group needs more help, and out of the blue Mr. Smith offers his services. In the past he's been rather negative: 'They are much too noisy. What they need is a firm hand at the helm, and a good talking to!' But now he seems more positive, and has come up with ideas about how to improve the group.

Is this a bright new start, or the calm before the storm? What questions do you need to ask yourself - and others - to make sense of it? (And to work out how to respond?)

The Pastoral Questions chart can help. It is structured around the 6 basic question words:

• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
• Why?
• How?

These questions are simple and straightforward - they help you get a handle on the core issues in any given situation.

The questions are layed out in a 'mind map' format.