Pastoral Team Research Articles

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AS AN IMPETUS FOR COMFLICT MANAGEMENT IN A MULTI-STAFF PASTORAL MINISTRY

he paper titled “Effective Communication as an Impetus for Conflict Management in a Multi-staff Pastoral Setting” is descriptive research that explore the conflict management models, communication tools in Multi Pastoral setting. Knowing fully well that the work of ministry is enormous, there is therefore the need to engage more than one pastors in a local church to effectively facilitate ministerial assignments. Accomplishing this comes with several changes, conflict inclusive. Hence, the researcher interest in engaging meaningful communication to salvage conflict among members of pastoral staff. Thus, the paper clarifies the concepts, multi-pastoral Staff ministry, effective communication, and Conflict management. The work further probes into nature of conflict in multi-pastoral staff ministry and addresses the issue of managing conflict using effective communication principles. The research discovered that conflict among members of pastoral team can be managed when all pastoral team prepared to communicate well and clearly; they are ready to not only seek to be understood but to also understand, they are mindful of their tones as well as the basic content of the message; they consult with others whenever major decisions are to be taken, among others.

Protestant Church Strategy in Building Spiritual Identity for Generation Alpha

This research aims to explain Protestant Church strategy in building Christian identity for Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha) amidst the adverse effects of globalization. Currently, the generation is navigating the complex terrain of a postmodern era characterized by the pervasive dissemination of concepts such as skepticism, subjectivism, and relativism. Gen Alpha has experienced a profound shift in cultural values, with a marked transition from religiosity to secularity. Consequently, Church must direct its attention towards the ideological and spiritual well-being of the generation. The influence of distortionary forces on the perception of reality is a matter of concern, stemming from various sources such as peers in the community, the educational system, social media, and the vast expanse of the Internet. The result show that Gen Alpha has been raised in the context of post-Christian and post-Church cultural environments. In this research, a qualitative research approach is used, predominantly through an extensive review of pertinent literature. The examination commences with an in-depth exploration of Gen Alpha and the formation of spiritual identity. Subsequently, the strategic initiatives conducted by Protestant Church are examined and the initiatives include worship services, fatherly mentorship, and cultivating a strong Christian identity. The conclusion shows the collaborative efforts of Church with the pastoral team, in the construction of its ministry. This is characterized by the implementation of transpersonal actions, the guiding of healing initiatives for the needs of families, and the cultivation of personalized spiritual practices. An important component of the comprehensive strategy includes the training and education of fathers to assume a central role in building the spiritual development of children. Furthermore, Church values the spiritual building of children aged between 4 and 14 years to fortify Christian identity.

The Symbolic Interaction in Trumpets Playing During Worship Ceremony at Higher Than Ever Church

The trumpet is an ancient instrument made of a sheep’s horn that is found in the Bible. In worship at the Higher Than Ever Church, the trumpet instrument is combined with modern musical instruments. Dealing with the background, the main focus of this study is related to symbolic interaction in the playing of Trumpet. The qualitative method using a research approach to the sociology of art approach was used in this research. The data obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation. Checking the validity of the data used source triangulation and data analysis used the contextualization of the synthesis model. The finding indicated that the symbolic interaction of playing the Trumpet started with Bible study activities, then it was conveyed to the congregation through the activity of Family Altar and other congregational activities, then after that the Trumpet instrument was played in the main worship ceremony. The conclusion has showed that symbolic interaction occurs between the Pastoral team and God through Bible study. Further, it is also between the Pastoral team and the leaders of the Family Altar, between the head of the Family Altar and church members, between the Trumpet players. Congregation and God when the worship ceremony is taking place.

Pastoral Strategies for the Loneliness Epidemic of the Digital Generation

In the frenzy of technological advances and the massive capabilities of social media, it turns out that there is a dangerous space that this generation often doesn't realize, namely loneliness. Since the discovery of internet technology, lonely sufferers have experienced a spike among digital people. They often feel lonely and seemingly asymptomatic. If pastoral stewardship does not address this problem, the digital generation is bound to feel lonely and depressed, which can lead to suicide. They experience a decreased quality of life despite being in the church and parental care. The question is, what are the causes and effects of this problem of loneliness? What practical steps can shepherds take? And what kind of pastoral strategy is there to tackle the loneliness epidemic ravaging the digital generation? The purpose of this study is [1] to describe the causes and adverse effects of loneliness problems. [2] Describe simply practical steps a shepherd can take in dealing with loneliness. [3] Describe her pastoral and stewardship strategies that a solution to the problem of loneliness among this digital generation. The method used in this research is Systematic Literature Review (SLR) for journal papers published in 2016-2021. Contribution of this research ; [1] For spiritual practitioners and educators who are directly related to recovery from the loneliness of the digital generation, [2] as a reference for pastoral teams and pastoral candidates in local church stewardship, [3] practical steps for parents in overcoming loneliness problems digital child they experienced.

Klinikseelsorge in Verbundenheit

Ecumenical Partnerships in Health Care Chaplaincy in Southern Germany contribute to a visible unity of the church in following Christ as a ministry in the hospitals. A profound dialogue strengthens understanding and unity in the pastoral teams and helps to speak with one voice in public. This is part of an ongoing process toward unity in diversity, fostered by the “Charta Oecumenica” in the European Churches since 2001.

ANALISIS PENGARUH MANAJEMEN PELAYANAN PASTORAL TERHADAP KEPUASAN UMAT WILAYAH III PAROKI SANTA FAMILIA SIKUMANA KEUSKUPAN AGUNG KUPANG

The focus of this research is to analyze the influence of the management of pastoral service on the satisfaction of the people in region III, Santa Familia Sikumana Parish. This is due to the perception that the management of pastoral service implemented in this parish is less than optimal. The sample in this study amounted to 199 people. Data collection uses a questionnaire and document study, while data analysis uses descriptive analysis and inferential analysis. The result showed that descriptively the achievement of the management of pastoral service indicator was 60.81% and people's satisfaction was 53.44%, meaning that both variables were in the fairly good category. Based on inferential statistical analysis, it is known that there is a positive and significant influence of the management of pastoral service on the satisfaction of the people of Region III Santa Familia Sikumana Parish (count value of 15.387 and sig. 0.000 value <0.05). The suggestions offered are that the parish priest needs to implement a management-based pastoral program, involve relevant parties, consistently disseminate pastoral service programs using relevant media, organize and supervise the performance of the pastoral team and parish staff; regional head needs to develop a pastoral service program in region III that are synergistic with parish programs and mobilize people to be actively involved in the program; people need to be critical-constructive towards the implementation of parish pastoral service management and participate in all existing pastoral programs.

The Effect of Reflection Rounds on Medical Students’ Empathy

Background: Students’ decline in empathy during medical school raises concerns. Empathic physician-patient interactions positively impact health outcomes and patient satisfaction, while improving job satisfaction and reducing physician burnout. Reflection rounds may be suitable for maintaining student empathy during training. Hypothesis: Our hypothesis was Reflection Rounds would increase empathy scores of MS3s and results would vary by gender. Methods: MS3s completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy upon starting and finishing their clerkship. Students in the experimental group attended four 1-hour sessions, led by a clinician and pastoral team member. The control group did not attend sessions. Results: No significant difference in baseline empathy scores was found between the two groups. There was a significant increase in student empathy scores among the experimental group, improving mean score from 114.1 to 116.5, p-value of 0.04. There were no significant changes among the students who did not participate in Reflection Rounds. Differences were found according to gender, with women scoring higher overall than men at baseline and increasing after sessions. Conclusion: These results indicate that Reflection Rounds can improve the empathy of medical students, and warrant further investigation into their effects and utility within medical education.

Timothy: Preparing for The Holy Eucharist within the Community when Communication is Non-verbal

Abstract Persons with intellectual disabilities are still regularly refused access to the Eucharist, as illustrated in an article in the Washington Post. Although Pope Francis and several Bishops’ Conferences and the new Directory for Catechesis (n°269–272) have made it clear that Catholics with disabilities have a right to participate in the sacraments as all other members of the ecclesial community, many church leaders still refrain from allowing persons with profound intellectual disabilities to access the Eucharist. This article investigates the experience of a pastoral team that prepared First Communion of a young boy with profound intellectual disabilities. The experience raised practical theological, pedagogical and pastoral ecclesial issues to be solved. These issues structure the article.

Spiritual care provision to end-of-life patients: A systematic literature review.

To develop an understanding of how nurses provide spiritual care to terminally ill patients in order to develop best practice. Patients approaching the end of life (EoL) can experience suffering physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Nurses are responsible for assessing these needs and providing holistic care, yet are given little implementable, evidence-based guidance regarding spiritual care. Nurses internationally continue to express inadequacy in assessing and addressing the spiritual domain, resulting in spiritual care being neglected or relegated to the pastoral team. Systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines. Nineteen electronic databases were systematically searched and papers screened. Quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist, and deductive thematic analysis, with a priori themes, was conducted. Results Eleven studies provided a tripartite understanding of spiritual caregiving within the a priori themes: Nursing Spirit (a spiritual holistic ethos); the Soul of Care (the nurse-patient relationship); and the Body of Care (nurse care delivery). Ten of the studies involved palliative care nurses. Nurses who provide spiritual care operate from an integrated holistic worldview, which develops from personal spirituality, life experience and professional practice of working with the dying. This worldview, when combined with advanced communication skills, shapes a relational way of spiritual caregiving that extends warmth, love and acceptance, thus enabling a patient's spiritual needs to surface and be resolved. Quality spiritual caregiving requires time for nurses to develop: the personal, spiritual and professional skills that enable spiritual needs to be identified and redressed; nurse-patient relationships that allow patients to disclose and co-process these needs. Supportive work environments underpin such care. Further research is required to define spiritual care across all settings, outside of hospice, and to develop guidance for those involved in EoL care delivery.

19. Overview of the Work of the Pastoral Team for Children in Need (EPED) in its Struggle Against the Problem of So-Called Child-Witches in the DR Congo

19. Overview of the Work of the Pastoral Team for Children in Need (EPED) in its Struggle Against the Problem of So-Called Child-Witches in the DR Congo

Is There A Place For Social Work Within the Catholic Church?

The decreasing number of Catholic priests seeking ordination has led to a variety of creative solutions to meet parishioners’ needs. While there are distinct similarities between the Catholic Social Teachings and the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics there is little literature pertaining to the role or practice of social work within the Catholic Church. This exploratory study employing key informant interviews examined if there was a place for social work directly within the Church. Individuals presently providing social assistance within the Church did not typically have formal counselling preparation. As well, distinct gaps in service provision exist ranging from bereavement support to youth programming. Respondents stated that social workers would be a worthwhile addition to any pastoral team and that the provision of professional psychosocial supports should no longer occur at arms length from parishioners but should be incorporated directly into the ministry of the Catholic Church.
 Key Words: Catholic Church, Social Work, Spirituality

Academic and pastoral teams working in partnership to support distance learning students according to curriculum area

ABSTRACTThe Open University has provided distance learning opportunities for 50 years and succeeds in offering its students many of the attributes of flexible learning. This article is a case study of the development of a highly successful partnership model of academic and pastoral support in mathematics and statistics at The Open University, and its application to flexible learning. The model involved reciprocal governance structures and equal status in the making of curriculum-related decisions. The model is illustrated by three examples throughout the student learning journey before, during and after study. The partnership model is applicable regardless of the curriculum area; hence the article is relevant to all disciplines. Equally, although the model was developed in the context of distance learning, its ethos remains relevant in the face-to-face context, all the more so given the prevalence of flexible learning and the growing number of distance learning courses being offered at traditional Higher Education Institutions across the sector.Abbreviations: OU: Open University; School: School of Mathematics and Statistics; SST: Student Support Team; VLE: Virtual Learning Environment

Measuring the Impact of Pastoral Services on Patients in a Private Psychiatric Hospital

This study explores the impact of pastoral care interventions on the mental and emotional health of inpatients at a private psychiatric hospital in Sydney. A total of 99 patients completed study questionnaires over a 3-month period. Feedback for the service was overwhelmingly positive, with the vast majority of patients reporting benefits during and after their meetings, regardless of their religious beliefs. Almost 88% of patients reported a lessening of anxiety after their meetings with pastoral care practitioners, with 85% suggesting that their interactions with the pastoral team had a significant and positive impact on their mental health. These findings were contextualized further with free text responses from respondents. The study results clearly demonstrate the importance of the pastoral services interventions in mental health settings.

Pastoral care of patients with Ebola Virus Disease: A medical and canonical opinion about pastoral visits to patients with contagious and highly fatal diseases.

The Ebola Virus Disease is a contagious and highly fatal illness that up until recently had been geographically limited to remote areas of Africa. In 2014, Ebola patients have been transported to the United States for care or have been newly diagnosed in the United States. With the intensive medical care and isolation policies usually needed by these patients, we inquired whether pastoral care would be possible. Using clinical and canonical considerations, we analyzed the permissibility and logistical challenges pastoral care presents to the priests and lay ministers, as well as the healthcare system. We conclude that with the approval of local, state, and federal health officials, pastoral care, including provision of the sacraments, is possible. It would require proper training, proper equipment and policies, and a significant commitment of time. While the risk to the pastoral team is difficult to define, it seems low in an Ebola-capable medical system. These risks to priests and ministers seem reasonable given the inestimable benefits of receiving the sacraments during critical illness. Lay summary: Traditional pastoral visits to hospitalized patients might prove difficult or impossible for diseases that are contagious and highly fatal. This inquiry examines the feasibility, challenges, and logistical solutions to these visits. With input from bishops, priests, a canon lawyer, an epidemiologist, a physician, the CDC, and others, we conclude that pastoral visits are possible. Visits will require permission of health authorities, commitments of time, training, and a small but significant risk to the health of priests and others who volunteer for this ministry.

Niedziela w życiu Kościoła partykularnego

The local Synods which took place after the Council, have given us an insight into the importance of Sunday. The diocesan Synods took place in Wloclawek, Poznan, Gdansk, Warszawa, Katowice, Krakow, Gniezno, Tarnow, Czestochowa, Lublin, Koszalin-Kolobrzeg, Lubaczow, Plock, Kielce, Wroclaw in Poland in period of 1967–1994. The Synods’ documents talk about the role of Sunday in the Christian life. According to the documents, the faith grows througth the new experience of celebration of Pascha and reneval of the convenant with God. This leads to joy in God, hope and peace as the Christians engage more in the community and in the apostolate. A local synod does self-reflection and explains the need for change in the Christian life on Sunday. The parishes should activate the pastoral teams, the ecclesial movements and the liturgical services on Sundays. There are some new pastoral problems such as holiday vacation and trips on the Sundays. Some Sunday habits need to be improved, but some should be rejected. TEOLOGIA_

Strategies for solidarity education at Catholic schools in Chile: Approximations and descriptions from the perspectives of school principals

This research project sought to learn how solidarity education is manifested in Chilean Catholic schools, considering the perspectives of school principals, programme directors and pastoral teams. Eleven Chilean schools were studied and the information gathering techniques applied included: a questionnaire, semi-structured individual interviews and group interviews. The grounded theory model was used to analyse the data. The results describe contexts of emerging solidarity education strategies and one perceives a variety of degrees of effort, bi-directional fields of action and traditional attitudes associated with charity. There is an overall sense of solidarity-in-transition, ranging from welfare-oriented action to promotional activities, channelled through training processes. Strengths, weaknesses, challenges and the need for outside support for the schools are highlighted in order to assure effectiveness and sustainability for the programmes.

Pastoral Teams and Parish Collaboratives: A Case Study of Diocesan Reorganization

Pastoral Teams and Parish Collaboratives: A Case Study of Diocesan Reorganization

Providing a Spiritual Home away from home: a swiss Woman's Way of Witnessing to a Latin American Community in Geneva*

Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy is our God, God of all the earth and heaven, who accompanies our people, who lives within our struggles, of all the earth and heaven, the one and only God. God the lord of all our history, holy, holy is our God. Blessed are those who in the Lord's name announce the Holy Gospel, proclaiming forth the good news of liberating power. Holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy is our God. (1) Twice each Saturday on a local Christian radio station, this happy melody with its theologically programmatic text starts the programme of the Latin American Christian Community in Geneva. At the church where I have been part of the pastoral team for six years, we also sing the song during our services and identify ourselves with its central message: God accompanies our people; God lives within our struggles! I feel very blessed to have been involved in the ministry of the Latin American Christian Community at the Methodist church in Geneva from the community's beginning fifteen years ago. As the song says, we consider it our primary task to proclaim the good news of liberating power to the Latin American immigrants in our midst. The setting of our community The Latin American Christian Community is well integrated into the life of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Switzerland. Although Christians have been a migrant people all along, as were our Jewish ancestors, some of us are more conscious of being pilgrims in our context. Methodism was brought to Geneva mostly from Germany and the German-speaking part of Switzerland. With new generations of native French speakers in the community, a linguistic change from German to French took place. At about the same time, an additional ministry was added in Spanish under the leadership of a Methodist lay preacher from Chile. Moreover, a group of Brazilians began holding regular worship services in Portuguese. During the last two decades, increasing numbers of immigrants from Latin America have come to Europe. Word has gone out that work is available in Switzerland, and that wages here are high. This is only a tiny part of the truth about the economic situation here. However, it provides a powerful incentive to many desperate people wanting to escape poverty and unemployment in their home countries. Moreover, these immigrants provide a lucrative business for travel agents who sell them tickets, for others who smuggle travellers without visas across the borders, and also for those who lend immigrants the necessary money at high interest rates. Since most of the travellers are notable to pay cash for their tickets, they often increase already existing debts in order to come to Switzerland. Upon arrival, some are lucky enough to find employment, either as domestic help, in the restaurant business, or in agriculture. Others are condemned to wait for long months without income. A few are caught by the police right away and deported before they are able to land a job. Moreover, even for those who find employment, life in Switzerland does not offer what they expected. Of course, wages paid here are high when converted into Latin American currencies. However, since undocumented workers are at the bottom of the salary scale, what they earn often does not permit them a decent standard of living. So, they are housed in cramped quarters with several persons to a room. To avoid paying rent and for transportation, many of the women employed in private homes prefer to live at their place of work. If they are fortunate, they have a room to themselves. However, some sleep in the children's bedrooms; at times they are even obliged to share a bed with the children. Such live-in domestic employment set-ups also may involve extremely long working hours and no regular free time, as well as wages way below any decent standard. Labour unions are active in this sector and defend the interests of undocumented workers. The Latin American Christian Community regularly invites union representatives to come and inform our parishioners about their rights. …

Dvasinio krikščioniškojo ugdymo( si) prielaidos Lietuvos aukštojoje mokykloje

Straipsnyje aptariama krikščioniškojo dvasingumo samprata, pateikiami duomenys apie krikščioniško dvasinio ugdymo būklę kai kuriose Lietuvos aukštosiose mokyklose, atskleidžiantys studentų tikėjimo, dalyvavimo religinėse apeigose bei krikščioniškajame gyvenime ypatybes. Atsižvelgus į teigiamą studentų požiūrį į dvasinį ugdymą(si), apibrėžiamos konkrečios jo prielaidos aukštosiose mokyklose.

Curriculum and Management Development Opportunities for the Pastoral Team

Curriculum and Management Development Opportunities for the Pastoral Team