Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling: Advancing theory and professional practice through scholarly and reflective publications

Notes that pastoral counseling is an ancient ministry which brings rich resources to the contemporary efforts to develop wholistic healing. Provides a historical background summary, a sketch of Judeo-Christian tradition, and clinical examples to illustrate ways in which modern explorations in mind/body wellness can be enhanced by including the pastoral counseling project.

Reports on a professional formation course in integrative clinical learning for senior nursing students. Outlines the objectives and methods utilized in the course. Concludes that, given the characteristics and results of the course, vocational formation for ministry needs to include similar dimensions in designing educational curricula.

Notes that the psychological phenomenon of “Constant Ego States” is a major stumbling block for both clergy and laity. Draws upon the theory and practice of Transactional Analysis to describe the nature of the Constant Parent, Child, and Adult Ego states and discusses their implications for the effective functioning of the minister, priest, and rabbi as well as affiliated and unaffiliated lay people.

Muses on the history and experiences of Gypsies and how they provide a dramatic example of cultural diversity. Suggests that cultural diversity can be lived with creatively and constructively and that pastoral caregivers have many opportunities to do just that.

Uses David Epston's and Michael White's Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends as a framework or model for therapeutic work with those who are poor. Applies the model to the operation of a church-sponsored food pantry.

Reports on a research project that describes the unique activities in which chaplains engage as they provide pastoral care and counseling and spiritual direction to patients in a large, acute tertiary referral medical center in Melbourne, Australia. Analyzes 57,704 entries which described what hospital chaplains do when interacting with patients over a period of five and one-half years. Identifies as the core activities “promoting spiritual transcending” (57.6% of all entries), “promoting spiritual intactness” (36.1% of all entries) and “enacting ministry” (6.2% of all entries).

Argues that pastoral caregivers in the 21st century ought to rethink traditional attitudes on homosexuality as pastoral caregivers did in the 18th and 19th centuries regarding the institution of slavery. Points out the limitations of biblical hermeneutics traditionally used to support negative attitudes toward homosexuality and urges that a more open dialogue needs to take place in the next century. Draws on certain lesbian narratives and on narrative theology as ways to engage in an authentic dialogue regarding homosexuality.