Title:
A behavioral science approach to the pastoral care ministry: effective tools for helping
Author:
Kirk D. Ralls
Thesis Advisor:
C. Kevin Gillespie
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2003
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
reformatted digital
Abstract:
From the very inception of the Church it was understood that God's people needed to be fed, comforted, encouraged, and built up in the faith by those who have been divinely called to carry out these valorous tasks. The Bible, including the Old and New Testament, is replete with messages that communicate God's desire to have His people attend to each other's needs. Perhaps one of the most telling scriptures related to the issue of caring for others is found in Galatians 6:2, KJV, which reads, "Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ." This passage is at the core of the pastoral care ministry. This volume focuses on the mandate of burden bearing by ministers. It contends that principles and methods borrowed from the behavioral sciences can be successfully incorporated into the pastoral care ministry. It begins with an in-depth look at some of the characteristics, attributes, and qualities of successful caregivers. What follows is an extensive presentation on the issues of loss and bereavement, including an exhaustive segment on what to say and what not to say to grieving individuals. The paper also features a comprehensive chapter on helping relationships which offers insight on assisting individuals who are dealing with issues of suicide, abortion, illness, infidelity, substance abuse, and other critical life crises. The paper ultimately makes the point that gaining a thorough knowledge and understanding of their own behavior and the behavior of those they have been called to serve, will help propel ministers towards perfecting the ministry of pastoral care and becoming more effective burden bearers.
Subject:
Pastoral counseling
Subject:
Pastoral psychology
Subject:
Pastoral theology
Subject:
Psychiatry and religion
Degree:
Master of Arts
Level:
Master
Discipline:
Pastoral Counseling
Restrictions on Access:
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Identifier:
RallsKD-03
