Pastoral care has at its very core the love and concern for the salvation of humanity and the ultimate goal of the formation of Christ in each person. Galatians 4:19 “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”

Therefore, the greatest model of pastoral care is Christ himself.
Everything is to be interpreted through the Word of God.

Jesus is the focus, the lens, through which we understand pastoral care.
Jesus is the good shepherd, He is the truth, He is the gate, He secures, He protects the sheep and He is the one who ultimately gave His life for His sheep. (John 10:7-11) He instructs us to care for one another, to love one another and to care for His sheep. (John 21:15-17)