Editor’s Note:“Doctors enter the practice of medicine. Lawyers, the practice of law. Pastors enter the practice of grace. Grace is our stock-in-trade.” These words come from Lee Eclov, a pastor of 35 years who currently leads the Village Church of Lincolnshire north of Chicago. Eclov sees grace not only the content of the pastor’s message; it’s integral to the way we’re called to shepherd God’s people. Over the years, Eclov has contributed dozens of articles to Preaching Today and Leadership Journal. He specializes in gently directing fellow pastors past models and metrics and towards what he calls the “slow, small, but immeasurably sacred work of pastoral care.” When we thought of whom to tap to give the best resources on the topic, he immediately came to mind. We’re glad he said yes.

Resource #1: Models and mentors. There are fine blogs and websites on pastoral care, but pastoral care is not best taught from resources and classes. ...