This course is designed for people seeking to serve local churches as pastoral leaders including certified lay ministers and licensed local pastors.
Participants will learn the basics of grief, how to be present for the griever, and how to do pastoral care in times of loss.
Course objectives
- Understand why the practice of pastoral care is not only important but needs to be a priority for the professing community for the here and now.
- Understand definitions and approaches to pastoral care and grief.
- Understand the connection between proclamation of the gospel and the ministry of presence.
Required Texts
Scheib, Karen D. Pastoral Care: Telling the Stories of Our Lives. Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-1426766473.
McCormack, Jerusha Hull. Grieving: A Beginner's Guide. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-1557254931.
Recommended Texts
Wolfelt, Alan D. Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart. Fort Collins, CO: Companion Press, 2021. ISBN: 978-1617223075.
- Facilitator: Jessica Lovell