Practicing Presence: Theory and Practice of Pastoral Care

by Rob O'Lynn

This book draws on the combined experience of a located minister, pastoral scholar and former hospital chaplain. First, it introduces the basic elements of pastoral care in a clear and concise way.It then discusses the basic tenants of crisis theory and provide guidelines for performing and effective intervention and referral. The first unit concludes by focusing on some special issues that occur in pastoral care (e.g., grief and burnout). Second, it introduces several tools and ideas that can be used practically in a number of pastoral care and crisis situations.These are not offered as a checklist agenda for a minister to follow when you visit someone in the hospital or are called upon to intervene in a crisis. Yet they are offered as a way of easing our internal fears about sitting with someone in the midst of their pain and suffering.

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2015

About the author

I currently teach preaching, ministry and Bible courses at Kentucky Christian University, where I am the director of the Bible and Ministry program.

I also preach in Ashland, Kentucky, having previously preached in Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia and elsewhere in Kentucky.

My education includes degrees from Harding University, the Austin Graduate School of Theology, Lubbock Christian University and the Harding School of Theology.

I'm married to a girl from San Diego, and we have two kids -- one loves video games and is learning to play the drums, and the other loves to dance, sing and read.