Practicing Presence

Theory and Practice of Pastoral Care

This book draws on the combined experience of a located minister, pastoral scholar and former hospital chaplain. First, it introduces the basic elements of pastoral care in a clear and concise way.It then discusses the basic tenants of crisis theory and provide guidelines for performing and effective intervention and referral. The first unit concludes by focusing on some special issues that occur in pastoral care (e.g., grief and burnout). Second, it introduces several tools and ideas that can be used practically in a number of pastoral care and crisis situations.These are not offered as a checklist agenda for a minister to follow when you visit someone in the hospital or are called upon to intervene in a crisis. Yet they are offered as a way of easing our internal fears about sitting with someone in the midst of their pain and suffering.