The Church and Pastoral Care

ISBN: 979-8-3507-5588-6
By: Rogers, Rufus

ABOUT THE BOOK

Who is the Biblical servant? What does the servant look like, and what are the qualifications to become one? Do I have what it takes to be one? For those who aspire to follow in the footsteps of the Servant, this book aims to answer these questions. It conveys the essential elements of the “dirty hand” work of a servant. And to whom will the servant be sent to serve? Certainly not to royalty or the privileged, but to those who are sometimes stubborn, resistant to guidance, and rebellious (sheep), along with the young lambs in need of grooming and tender loving care. Taking its model after Christ, these pages lay the Biblical foundation for what it takes to be a Servant of God. The qualifications undeniably go against human nature but are uncompromisingly essential to the role of caring for the sheep. The servant puts the needs of others before their own. The shepherd-servant is needed because sheep are vulnerable, in need of tender loving care, protection, and guidance, as the book so clearly explains. Qualifications are rooted in a love for God and His people. Drawn by the power of sacrificial love, the servant is reminded of some pitfalls while caring for the hurting, which often extend beyond the four walls of the church house. Although small, this book traces the journey of someone who has walked the challenging path of disciple-making. We see his hands gently washing wounds, his lips speaking words of encouragement to the fallen, and his ears listening carefully to the cries of the sheep’s heart. For the spouse, especially the wife, this book highlights the essential role of a faithful wife. We hear her voice and see the personality, spiritual, and emotional qualities needed to be a strong and steady “keeper at home.” This book warns that the work of the servant is often unrecognized and unlikely to receive man’s praise, but will be rewarded by the Servant of servants. Through this book, we glimpse the servant stooping to the fallen and caring for the hurting, all while acknowledging his own humanity and frailty. Big things often come in small packages, and this one is filled with a wealth of wisdom that portrays the shepherd-servant in the making.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rufus Rogers

Rufus, born on September 15, 1940, on the island of Anguilla to Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Rogers, was destined to be a shepherd. He first heard God’s call at the age of 10, and by the time he was 16, he had committed his life to the Lord. In 1958, at the age of 18, Rufus began his ministry in Antigua. He became an evangelist in 1959 and was ordained in August 1972. Rufus relocated to New York to pursue a career in business administration, while also taking intensive theological courses related to pastoral ministry and evangelism. He met and married Verona May Thompson in 1964, and from their union, four children, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren were born. They dedicated over 50 years to pastoral and administrative ministry. In 1978, Bishop Rogers was appointed regional presbyter of the churches in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. His eventual area of responsibility encompassed a vast number of Caribbean islands comprising 64 churches and missions with thousands of members. This demanded divine guidance, a shepherd's heart, along with his training and business acumen. Bishop Rogers was instrumental in establishing the Prophecy Elementary School in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, which served the community for decades. After 16 years of service in the Caribbean territories, Bishop Rogers and his family were called back to the state of New York. He served as the Regional Presbyter for the Northeastern Region, encompassing Northern New England, Southern New England, and the Island of Bermuda. This comprises 60+ churches and missions. It seemed good to the Lord that Bishop and Minister Rogers should return to pastoral ministry in Florida (his wife’s birthplace). In 2006, he was appointed to pastor the Margate/Sunrise Church of God of Prophecy. They rebuilt the local church, under the anointing, as church builder and their first love of shepherding God’s people. He faithfully served the local church until 2017. Finally, in October 2022, he received his final call from the Good Shepherd to enter his Father’s eternal rest, having faithfully labored and ministered on earth. In his over 50 years of ministry, Bishop Rogers has always stayed true to his motto: “Lord, What Will You Have Me To Do?” Some writers pen their vision with expertise, while others live out the vision they write. This truth encapsulates Bishop Rufus Reuben Rogers; he was a Shepherd of shepherds, living out his purpose with the heart of the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.