Pastoral Care and Counseling

Abstract

Abstract Pastoral care and counseling implies people caring for others in a manner which mirrors the way Jesus cared for people and taught his disciples to do the same. It is not just about caring for people who are in crisis and despair, but also about empowering people to be able to live life to its fullest, all the while leaning on the hope that can be given through the resurrection story. Pastoral care and counseling involves the members of the church congregation caring for people within the congregation and the surrounding community. Caring for the surrounding community gives the church and the congregation the opportunity to make known the salvific story, which is the basis for pastoral care and counseling. In the early years of pastoral care and counseling it was thought that pastoral care was only carried out by ordained clergy. Furthermore, for some time pastoral care and counseling were only carried out by ordained clergy. However, in the postmodern world pastoral care and counseling are being rendered by clergy and laity working side by side, meeting the needs of those within the congregation who are hurting, discouraged, and in need of healing. The ordained clergy are training those lay members who feel the call to assist others within the congregation and community in need of care and counseling. Pastoral care and counseling are promoted by professionals and individuals who make it their business to intentionally care for others.