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Pastoral Care
Why Pastoral Connections Matter
Lutheran Network recognizes the unique and irreplaceable role that ordained pastors play in the lives of their congregations. Rather than treating every user as equal participants in an undifferentiated crowd, the platform is intentionally structured to surface and support pastoral relationships.
Members can identify their pastor within the platform. Pastors are verified and labeled. The result is a digital space where the historic structure of Lutheran church life is honored — not flattened.
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account."
— Hebrews 13:17For Pastors
Verified Pastors
Ordained pastors are identified with a Pastor group label, unlocking pastoral features, channels, and accountability tools.
Pastors are not self-declared on the network. Verification requires submitting evidence of ordination to the network team, who then label the account accordingly and grant access to pastoral channels and features.
How to Get Verified
Email connect@lutheran.network with evidence of your ordination. The team will review your submission and label your account with the Pastor group designation.
- › Pastor label visible on profile and in community spaces
- › Access to pastoral channels and features
- › Access to The Shieling — the pastors-only discussion channel
- › Ability to view a list of all members who have marked you as their pastor
For Members
Connecting with Your Pastor
Any member can mark an association with a pastor directly from that pastor's profile page — weaving pastoral care and accountability into everyday network use.
Find Your Pastor's Profile
Search for your pastor by username or find them through your congregation's community channel. Verified pastors display their Pastor group label on their profile.
Mark the Association
From your pastor's profile page, use the pastoral association option to mark them as your pastor. This creates a visible connection between you and your shepherd on the network.
Your Pastor Is Notified
Your pastor will be able to see the list of members who have marked them as their pastor, supporting their awareness of and care for their flock online.
Pastoral Community
The Shieling
Purpose & Access
The Shieling is accessible only to accounts that have been verified as ordained Lutheran pastors. It is not visible to general network members.
Within The Shieling, pastors can discuss shared challenges in ministry, encourage one another in the faith, share resources, and build the collegial relationships that sustain faithful pastoral work.
- › Access granted to verified pastors only
- › Pastoral encouragement and collegial discussion
- › Supports full forum and threading features
- › Available to all verified pastors at no additional cost
Summary
Pastor Tools at a Glance
Verified Badge
Your account is labeled with the Pastor group designation after ordination verification, visible to all members who interact with your profile.
Flock List
A readily accessible list of all network members who have marked your account as their pastor — helping you keep track of who is in your care.
The Shieling
A dedicated, pastor-only channel for collegial discussion, mutual encouragement, and support among ordained ministers across the network.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. — Acts 20:28