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Crisis Pastoral Care: A Police Chaplain's Perspective
This book brings a balanced, spirituality-based perspective to the dead center of tragic human experiences――violent crimes, homicides, natural disasters, automobile accidents, suicides, child abuse, and more. Author and chaplain Thomas Shane tells dozens of often brutal but ultimately compassionate stories of what it is like to provide crisis pastoral care to those caught in the grim reality of such critical incidents.
As a police and hospital chaplain, the author has worked with law enforcement professionals for 30 years. His life is dedicated to the victims and families involved in tragedies, and particularly to the needs of police officers. These brave men and women are generally the first responders to they are the ones who hear the sound of a mother's grief, or first see the remains of the dead, or first bear the silence of those who are shocked and confused. Shane tells real-life stories of compassion in action. His words will both encourage and instruct other helping professionals to be might be better prepared to deal with their own and other's needs during a crisis situation.
The book gives readers an insider's understanding of what crisis ministry is about. Shane's approach is experiential, not theoretical. He candidly reveals his own struggles, doubts and fears, along with the courage, faith and hope that sustains his life and work. He even addresses the complex and challenging task of offering care and spiritual counsel to the perpetrators of crimes.
Topics general principles for working with police; helping people deal with guilt and find forgiveness; offering spiritual help to everyone; the real and personal risks in crisis intervention; death notification; chaplaincy and terrorism; what is the pastor's authority, and what is not.
While many good books reveal the theory of pastoral care and the dynamics of grief work, Crisis Pastoral Care borders on a memoir of life in the midst of disaster. It will inspire and educate front line law enforcement officers, EMTs and the chaplains who work with them, as well as grief counselors, psychologists and local clergy. Anyone who deals on a regular basis with the victims of crime and disaster will find this book an invaluable resource.
As a police and hospital chaplain, the author has worked with law enforcement professionals for 30 years. His life is dedicated to the victims and families involved in tragedies, and particularly to the needs of police officers. These brave men and women are generally the first responders to they are the ones who hear the sound of a mother's grief, or first see the remains of the dead, or first bear the silence of those who are shocked and confused. Shane tells real-life stories of compassion in action. His words will both encourage and instruct other helping professionals to be might be better prepared to deal with their own and other's needs during a crisis situation.
The book gives readers an insider's understanding of what crisis ministry is about. Shane's approach is experiential, not theoretical. He candidly reveals his own struggles, doubts and fears, along with the courage, faith and hope that sustains his life and work. He even addresses the complex and challenging task of offering care and spiritual counsel to the perpetrators of crimes.
Topics general principles for working with police; helping people deal with guilt and find forgiveness; offering spiritual help to everyone; the real and personal risks in crisis intervention; death notification; chaplaincy and terrorism; what is the pastor's authority, and what is not.
While many good books reveal the theory of pastoral care and the dynamics of grief work, Crisis Pastoral Care borders on a memoir of life in the midst of disaster. It will inspire and educate front line law enforcement officers, EMTs and the chaplains who work with them, as well as grief counselors, psychologists and local clergy. Anyone who deals on a regular basis with the victims of crime and disaster will find this book an invaluable resource.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
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April 17, 2016
This is a very dark and disturbing book for its content. Although the story needs to be told it is a difficult book. Especially difficult at times for me as I too am a Police Chaplain. And while I do not nearly have the experience as Chaplain Shane the stories he tell are all too familiar to me as well. I too have had the deep responsibility of informing loved ones of the death of someone they love. I have witnessed way too much.
Yet I too, as Chaplain Shane, am awkwardly drawn in some way to this work. Chaplain Shane adds a few tips for my work through his own candid experience that I will likely take with me. Chaplain Shane however has a unique elegancy of crafting the words and painting the picture as if I were standing next to him.
While the book was an emotionally challenging read for me it was indeed an amazing read. I salute Chaplain Shane and thank him for his service to all of us.
Yet I too, as Chaplain Shane, am awkwardly drawn in some way to this work. Chaplain Shane adds a few tips for my work through his own candid experience that I will likely take with me. Chaplain Shane however has a unique elegancy of crafting the words and painting the picture as if I were standing next to him.
While the book was an emotionally challenging read for me it was indeed an amazing read. I salute Chaplain Shane and thank him for his service to all of us.
Displaying 1 of 1 review