Showing papers in "Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling: Advancing theory and professional practice through scholarly and reflective publications in 1984"

Health/Medicine and the Faith Traditions

Abstract: , 'Project Ten" was initiated by staff members of Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois. It is an ambitious project, designed "to examine the relationship between Health-Medicine and the Faith Traditions." The project will ultimately incorporate the investigation of ten themes common to medicine and religion, and explore them in the light of ten faith traditions. Health/Medicine and the Faith Traditions is the first volume of the project. 1

Book Review: Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling: Resources for the Ministry of Healing and Growth:

Abstract: Nearly twenty years have passed since Clinebell first published the book which has become a standard text in teaching seminarians, pastors, and pastoral counselors. The new, revised and enlarged edition is fresh, contemporary, and useful. There is a rich synthesis of material that was helpful in 1966 mixed with new ideas, especially the emphasis on liberation and empowerment. The text is designed both for pastors wishing to sharpen skills and for pastoral counselors doing in-depth therapy in a specialized ministry setting. The book aims at comprehensiveness and has chapters on growth models, theological statements, spiritual wholeness, values, support, crisis care, bereavement, marriage and family, group, lay ministry, referrals, and pastoral psychotherapy. The central theme is growth and wholeness. The pastor is encouraged to be a whole person with an androgynous blending of the feminine and masculine. Pastoral care and counseling should demonstrate wholeness in integrating historic biblical theology with contemporary behavioral science research. The counselor needs to speak the whole truth in love; namely, to care and confront. The text demonstrates wholeness by adding at the end of each chapter a suggested reading list and several practice sessions implementing the theory. Throughout the book, the theme of liberation appears. The author sensitizes the readers, primarily white male clergy, about power issues related to counselees, the majority of whom are females. We are reminded that in Christ there is neither male nor female. The liberation model calls on pastoral counselors to find methods for ministering to the poor and the minorities. The call is for pastoral care and counseling to transcend white, male, middle class models in favor of inclusiveness and wholeness. The author reveals how he was sensitized by his wife about feminine liberation, and the importance of liberation in growth and wholeness. This revised and enlarged text speaks to contemporary pastoral care issues in an exciting manner. It is a valuable contribution to the field.

Pastoral Care in a Native American Context

Abstract: Describes four ceremonial movements of public grieving at the death of a Native American Man—the wake, the funeral, the commitment service, and the feast and Giveaway. Comments on how the Native American community has been able to integrate the Christian heritage with its own rich religious heritage.

Marketing pastoral counseling.

Abstract: Identifies, suggests understandings, and illustrates applications of marketing principles as they relate to pastoral counseling services. Describes four approaches to marketing pastoral counseling--traditional, educational, marketing, and fund raising--and gives illustrations of each. A director of an established pastoral counseling center responds to the article in terms of "high density" and "low density" principles and suggests that strategies which emulate the medical model may need to be re-examined by contemporary pastoral counselors.

The institutional chaplain: constructing a role definition.

Abstract: Reports on a questionnaire survey of members of the Omaha Nebraska Area Institutional Chaplains' Association and the Nebraska State Chaplain's Association. Develops a typology of the role of the hospital chaplain based on findings which indicate that chaplains see themselves as (1) counselors, (2) professionals, and (3) religious functionaries. Notes that these perceptions are often at dissensus with relevant publics, and interprets the role of definitions in terms of secularization and social structure principles. Discusses and suggests ways of addressing role differences in view of current changes in health care developments.

Public relations for pastoral counseling centers.

Abstract: Outlines a public relations program in terms of setting objectives, developing programs, and evaluating effectiveness. Details an example of a PR campaign for a Samaritan Center. Notes ways in which a well-planned PR program can increase a pastoral counseling center's effectiveness and visibility.

A Format for an Ethical and Emotional Divorce

Abstract: Expresses the notion that a ritual of divorce is sorely needed in our contemporary society. Offers a format for such a ritual and provides a detailed example of a ceremony. Critical comments and responses are offered by experienced divorce and marriage counselors, one a Protestant minister, the other a Rabbi.

A method for doing grief work with families who have had a child die with cancer.

Abstract: States an approach to doing grief work with families who have had a child die of cancer and outlines a small group process which follows Erich Lindemann's themes of (1) reviewing the life of the de...

Teaching Jail Inmates to Diagnose Their Religious Experiences

Abstract: Describes the usefulness of teaching jail inmates diagnostic guidelines of religious experience using Paul Pruyse's diagnostic model. Introduces pastoral strategies to deal with the seven types of ...

Order and Chaos

Abstract: Reflects on the International Congress in Pastoral Care and Counseling, held in San Francisco, California, in August of 1983. Laments the carers' tendency to overlook and deny their own needs to be...

Pastoral Opportunities to Help Families Prevent Teenage Pregnancy

Abstract: Reviews the events of death in the family and the lack of sex education in the home as precipitating factors in teenage pregnancy. Notes that clergy are in a uniquely advantageous position to help families avoid the trauma of teenage pregnancy through well-timed support and intervention with members of their congregations. Outlines specific approaches usable in parish ministry.

Metaphor in Pastoral Care

Abstract: Offers a series of personal illustrations of how metaphor may be used in pastoral care, psychotherapy, preaching, and writing—particularly as metaphor is understood in the writings of Milton Ericks...

Some Implications of Narrative Theology for Ministry to Cancer Patients

Abstract: Explores a narrative approach to theological method as it may be manifested in praxis, especially in ministering to cancer patients. Describes, with case illustrations, how a care-giver elicits and listens to stories. Makes use of Stanley Hauerwas' theories in interpreting the power of story telling as a therapeutic mode; and draws implications for pastoral identity, particularly in terms of seeing the pastor or chaplain as an artist who encourages persons to integrate sacred stories into their particular lives and communities.

Surveys: Do They Solve Problems or Raise Them?

Abstract: Outlines procedures and makes suggestions for conducting a survey. Stresses the importance of a sharp focus, choice of correct method, planning questions carefully, and initiating ways of gaining adequate responses.

Computers and chaplains: using the technology revolution.

Abstract: Describes how microcomputers may be used by departments of pastoral care for management analysis and for time usage studies. Claims that such analyses help to document the activities of chaplains and provide an accountability means and a way of demonstrating the contention that pastoral care is an integral part of complex health care institutions.