Theological reflection enhances pastoral care skills.

Abstract

Theology can contribute to pastoral care by interpreting experiences in a faith context, reinforcing the pastoral care giver's identity, and orienting one's ministry style to be more congruent with that of Jesus. Models for theological reflection generally begin with an analysis of the patient's experience. In addition to gathering information on the factual level, the pastoral care giver seeks to discern the experience's dominant theological meaning. The next step is to identify and explore a theological parallel to the experience. For example, images of "stopping for a stranger" or "taking a detour " would suggest the theological parallel of the Good Samaritan. The final step is to enact the reflection, that is, to apply the theological interpretation to the patient's situation. Besides sharing the interpretation with the patient, the enactment may include changing one's style of ministry.