Laboring Over Souls: Discipleship in Italy
What does God expect of pastors?
The New Testament describes a man who not only teaches God’s people, but has a total, wholehearted commitment to the growth of those under his care. In fact, the Apostle Paul used the language of labor to describe the pain he felt over the spiritual infirmities of the Galatian church—so deep was his sense of responsibility for them (Gal. 4:19).
This is the biblical understanding of a shepherd. But for some pastors, following this model of soul care means going against culture.
“One major challenge in Italy is normalizing one-on-one pastoral care and discipleship,” faculty members at Verbum Evangelical Institute of Theology (ITEV) recently shared.
In Italy, religion is traditionally tied to institutions. Even among evangelicals, Christianity is still often viewed as a formal and largely external experience. Thus, the soul care model described in Scripture—where disciple and discipler share their spiritual struggles and spur one another to grow in holiness—is not always a welcome concept.
“For many long-time believers who have never experienced personal pastoral care, it can almost feel intrusive when a pastor intentionally wants to spend time with them,” faculty shared. “Developing deep, transparent, and consistent discipleship relationships requires patience, trust, and perseverance.”
ITEV’s faculty have worked to model these relationships as leaders in their local churches. Over decades of ministry, they have seen God slowly change the culture of churches and the attitude toward pastoral care.
“More and more believers are realizing that it is impossible to grow in the Christian life without intentional discipleship.”
“More and more believers are realizing that it is impossible to grow in the Christian life without intentional discipleship,” faculty said. “Men, women, and couples are increasingly seeking mature believers and pastors who can personally walk alongside them, guide them, and care for them spiritually.”
ITEV’s faculty have focused on equipping pastors to do just that.
The training center has built a library of translated theological resources and online training courses, following their relaunch in 2024. ITEV also hosts several pastoral seminars and theological conferences for ministry leaders throughout the year.
Faculty explained, “We are increasingly realizing that in order to faithfully care for souls, pastors must be continually trained, equipped, and encouraged through fellowship with other faithful men.”
At every seminar, ITEV faculty have taught a session on soul care, challenging and encouraging pastors to grow in their role as shepherds and not allow their own tendencies to hinder their service.
God has been faithful to bring 25 to 35 men to these seminars who are committed to growing in ministry and will hopefully continue in ITEV’s new pastoral ministry program this September.
Faculty shared, “We are deeply grateful because the Lord is answering this need by placing in the hearts of these pastors an increasing desire to ‘shepherd the flock of God’ willingly, eagerly, and by being examples to the flock, just as 1 Peter 5 teaches.”
As these men learn to exemplify this pastoral care in their churches, pray that believers in Italy will in turn be spurred toward discipling relationships with one another, so that the whole body of Christ may grow into maturity (Eph. 4:16).
Learn more about how ITEV is equipping pastors in Italy below.