Introduction to Pastoral Care &Counseling (PCC--500-, 2223-30)

Pastoral care is a ministry of compassion and transformation occurring through mutual life-giving relationships in faith communities and other ministerial settings. The depth and breadth of pastoral care that will be explored in this introductory course is beyond strict definitions as we will examine the historical scope and some contemporary pastoral care theories from a holistic and life-span perspective. These theories will be integrated with personal, psychological, ethical, and social justice issues commonly encountered in the practice of ministry. Attention is also given to critical theological reflection on suffering and healing in the context of grief, loss, interpersonal violence and addiction.