Pastoral Care and Ethics

This class will invite students to reflect on the work of pastoral care in the context of an integrated spiritual life. Rather than focusing solely on external ‘best practices,’ we will explore the internal work that nourishes our call to care for others in Christian community. Drawing on the wisdom of literature and poetry, and on the writings of authors such as Howard Thurman and Henri Nouwen, this class will invite students to think creatively and imaginatively about the tensions between self and other, speech and silence, desire and detachment. The goal of the class is to help students find the paths that will lead them into wholeness and integrity in ministry.

The course will engage numerous questions, among them: When to say yes, and when to say no? How do you say yes without trespassing your own limits? How do you say no with love? How do you navigate dual roles in ministry? What does self-awareness look like? Where is Christ in the relationship between pastor and parishioner? How do you keep from becoming (to quote Jonathan’s mentor Mary Luti) “a quivering mass of availability”? How do you understand the pastoral role in relation to other professional care providers? What is your role in providing support for people struggling with severe traumas and mental illness?

But be not afraid: no lengthy dissertations will be required. Students will write brief reflections, but much of the work will be done in conversation, seminar-style. Recognizing that participants have different goals, entry points, and expectations from their Conference, options will be provided for further reading and deeper reflection. We will also support one another by learning about -- and doing -- spiritual practices together.