Pastoral Care: A Practical Guide

by Bill Merrington

At the heart of the local church is the Christ-like care it manifests to its own members and those in the community. Increasingly, with fewer full-time ministers, this role is falling to the laity, often without formal training.

This book will help ordained and lay members of the church to be more confident and better equipped in pastoral skills. Included are sections on understanding pastoral ministry, how to minister safely, developing appropriate skills for use in church and in the wider community, and how to minister to oneself. This book will help new pastors to survive and thrive in a long-term ministry in the church.

Genres: Christian

379 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[(Sarah) Kevin Mayhew Publishers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-considered and honestly written, Pastoral Care is packed full of engaging anecdotes, useful bits of advice and wise perspective. Peppered with quotations from the likes of Eckhart Tolle, Julian of Norwich and even The Wizard of Oz, this book will most certainly speak to more than just those working in ministry.

Merrington explores pastoral care as broad ranging and ongoing; from the kind of everyday care that starts with conversations over a cup of coffee right up to dealing with issues such as eating disorders and drink and drug problems, pastoral care is not (unlike therapy) reliant on affordability and may be required before, during or after other counselling has been explored. Throughout the book, Merrington refers to knowing ones own capabilities and boundaries as a carer – knowing what level you are able to work at and when to refer to other counselling bodies, how to recognise when you’re heading for burnout (a discussion on ‘Jesus Syndrome’), as well as recognising inappropriate uses of power and authority.

Prayer is arguably one of the key things that distinguishes pastoral care from other types of counselling and Merrington provides some interesting perspectives on how prayer should be utilised. It should not be a substitute for applying practical support, knowledge and skills, but a gift that offers a new and important dimension to care – noting how taking time to reflect on something bigger (God) can refresh, strengthen and allow for new perspectives and new insights. As Merrington points out ‘Prayer is far more than getting God to do a miracle.’

While this book is ultimately aimed at those involved in Church life, those involved general counselling/caring as well as community and youth groups, would benefit from the fresh perspective and accessible, non-preachy tone that Pastoral Care has to offer. Those struggling with issues of anxiety, self-esteem, forgiveness, as well as disenfranchised grief (where loss can not be openly acknowledged or publically mourned) or even ‘singleness’- of being single within a (church) community would find this a useful alternative to the many books on offer within the self-help genre– many of which may not live up to their dazzling titles and may lack the honesty and wisdom of a book such as this.

Whether you dip into relevant chapters or read this from cover to cover, this is a priceless companion that deserves frequent referral.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a book best read from cover to cover but would be best read based on interest in a specific chapter. While interrelated, each chapter stands on its own.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much original material, but a useful reference tool.