Unit Content
Outcomes
1. Practice self-care
- Approaches to ministry and lifestyle choices external to ministry are analysed to identify practices requiring revision and adoption necessary for long-term health in ministry
- A self-care plan to minimise stress and maintain spiritual, emotional and physical health when providing care in ministry is developed
- In consultation with a ministry leader, the plan is refined
- The plan is executed with positive outcomes and challenges recorded and evaluated
2.Listen and respond to a church member
- A space is provided for the care recipient to share where distractions are minimised, and which is in accordance with church policy
- Full attention is given to the care recipient
- Verbal and non-verbal feedback is used to reinforce presence and build trust
- Active listening techniques are used to help the person express themselves including where grief, loss or spiritual questions are identified
- Interjections with personal experiences and opinions are avoided
- The care recipient is prayed for where their consent is granted
- The care recipient is referred to a leader where the need for further support is identified.
- Any reportable offences are handled in accordance with legislative, regulatory and church policy requirements.
- Reasonable boundaries are maintained in accordance with church policy
3.Debrief with a pastoral carer
- The care experience and its impact on the carer is reflected upon with a pastoral carer.
- Any need for further support of the carer is identified and arranged.
- Provision of care is evaluated to determine any coaching requirements.
- External support and coaching are engaged when not sufficiently available within the church.
- Confidentiality of the care recipient is maintained throughout the debriefing process.
Subject Content
This course may be offered in the following formats
Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.
Assessment Methods
Assessment 1: Plan to undertake self-care
With the help of a leader within your church who has experience in pastoral care, develop a 6-week plan to meet three self-care goals throughout the term.
Assessment 2: Provision of care role play and reflection
You will be given two scenarios for which you must video-record yourself role-playing the provision of care using the skills you have learnt throughout the unit. Upon completing your role-play, you must reflect on how you could improve your care provision in a real-life situation.
Assessment 3: Care for self and others in ministry
- Execute your self-care plan and record your progress in a journal throughout the term.
- Provide a basic level of care to those you engage with within your church community throughout the term, using the skills you have learnt in this unit. Log and reflect on your provision of care.
- At the end of the term, debrief with a leader in your church who has experience in pastoral care.
Prescribed Text
Level 1 (easiest to digest)
Petersen, Bruce L., and Brandon Hill. Foundations of Pastoral Care. Kansas City, Missouri: Beacon Hill Press, 2013.
Level 2 (more complicated and technical)
Wiersbe, David. The Dynamics of Pastoral Care. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2012.
