Introduction to Pastoral Care Ministry

1. Introduction to Pastoral Care Ministry Dr. Robert W. Bell, Ph.D. Erskine Theological Seminary Spring 2003

2. “Implications” • Verb: imply – to involve or suggest by logical necessity; to hint; suggest. • Implication = that which is suggested; an indirect indication • Question: What are the implications of this scripture, this information, for my ministry?

3. Direction from Scripture for Pastoral Care Ministry • Ezekiel 34 – indictment &direction • Psalm 78:72 – the essentials

4. “Pastoral Care” – What Does It Mean? • Pas´·tor·al NOT Pastor-i-a-l • Pastoral = shepherd (Latin: pāstor; verb form = to graze, feed) • Care = anxiety+ concern • Purpose of Pastoral Care/Acts of Ministry? • To enable persons to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

5. Source: God, the Father of compassion & God of all comfort (II Cor. 1:3) • Goal: to communicate the inner meaning of the Gospel to persons at their point of need (Carroll Wise) • Model: Jesus Christ • Guide: Scripture • Power: Holy Spirit • Vessel: Sinners, both redeemed [& unredeemed] (as God directs) • Purpose:to glorify God & enjoy Him.

6. Biblical Foundations • God as: • Creator • Sustainer • Redeemer • Caregiver • Ezek. 34; Acts 20:28, 32; I Peter 5:1-4

7. Theological Motifs • Image of God • Sinners in need of redemption • Saints in need of encouragement • Caring for “one another” • Paraclete • Immanuel • The Greatest Commandment + 2nd

8. Healthy Images: Shepherd Holy; Wise Disciplined & Accountable Servant Broken Vessel - dependant upon Christ Equipped servant - Unhealthy Images: Hired Hand; “wolf” Super Saint Wimp Delusional Messiah Peddler of Cheap Grace Genderless Servant - PCG Images & Metaphors

9. A Model for Pastoral CareG.Wade Rowatt, Jr.,Pastoral Care with Adolescents in Crisis, W/JKP, 1989)