Listening for the Soul: Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction

by Jean Stairs

This book explores the relationship between the practices of pastoral care and the practices of spiritual direction with the aim of enabling pastoral caregivers to draw upon the guiding principles, resources and techniques of spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. With an emphasis on both "practice" and "presence," the book reclaims the tradition of "soul care" for the pastoral ministry, thereby complementing the medical, or crisis intervention, model of pastoral care with a wellness/growth model of pastoral care. Listening for the Soul: Challenges clergy to take seriously the relationship between pastoral care and spiritual direction. Integrates theological and psychological insights with issues of spiritual life and formation. Includes a chapter on the spiritual formation of children. Provides practical guidance for integrating spiritual direction with pastoral care. Tends to the pastoral caregivers own needs for spiritual deepening Includes reflection questions and case studies to enable the text to function on both the individual reader and classroom levels.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

222 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Jean Stairs is the 10th theologian and the first woman to serve as Principal of Queen's Theological College. She is Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry (Field Education, Homiletics and Pastoral Care).

Born and raised in Ottawa, Jean Stairs moved to Hamilton, Ontario to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree from McMaster University and a Master of Divinity degree from McMaster Divinity College. Following several years of pastoral ministry, she completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of Toronto and the University of St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology.

Among her works are the books "Listening for the Soul: Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction" (Fortress Press, 2000) and "Be My Companion: A Study of Spiritual Direction" (Image Press, 1982). In addition, she has published numerous articles and chapters in books, including "Dancing on the Edge" in "Gathered by the River: Reflections and Essays of Women Doing Ministry" (Artemis Enterprises, 1994).

Dr. Stairs belongs to The Association of Practical Theology, The Society for Pastoral Theology, The Canadian Theological SOciety, The Association for Theological Field Education, and the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion. In October 2000, Dr. Stairs delivered the prestigious "Chancellor's Lectures" for the Annual Conference at Queen's Theological College (Kingston, ON) on the theme of her recent book "Listening for the Soul".

Jean Stairs's interests include gardening, preserving (jams/pickles), journaling, cycling, swimming, singing as a solist and in her church choir,and long country walks with her miniature schnauzer "Cady".

Reviews

[Josh Trice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. The content contained within cuts to the soul and engages the spirit within. The weight of caring for others souls is lifted in light of the revelation that, as ministers, we are not called to fix people and their many problems, but to listen and discern along side people in their problems.

I will refer back to this work throughout my time in ministry, hoping to even implement some of the practical aspects offered (such as Spiritual Direction) in the near future!

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While her discussion of pastoral care and spiritual direction is enlightening, I do not think Stairs ever fully forms her thoughts in two areas that seemed central to her book: 1) What is the difference between pastoral care and spiritual direction? And, secondarily, is there a difference between the two? 2) Is soul-listening a pastoral or a therapeutic action?

Stairs' discussion is not fully appropriate to the chaplain context, aiming it more for the local minister or pastoral care leader. Her lines are both blurred and defined at the same time, which makes it hard to determine what her actual goal is. I could very easily read this book from a pastoral care/chaplain perspective, where spiritual direction (like counseling) is simply an avenue for delivering pastoral care. However, I could also read this though the lens of a spiritual director, where pastoral care is simply an avenue for delivering spiritual direction. This distinction is most muddied in the chapter about offering pastoral care to children, where she focused her discussed within a liturgical/sacramental context.

I guess it is possible that this was the point, for the reader to determine the avenue through which this book would travel in his or her pastoral practice. The final chapter does provide a one-page "comparative summary" of both pastoral care and spiritual direction, lining them up side-by-side to distinguish their differences. Still, with the epilogue being entitled "Toward a Soulful Pastoral Care," it seems that Stairs never fully finishes her thought.

[Bob Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening for the Soul presents a great opportunity for people to stop and take a few minutes to listen...really listen to another person.

As a pastoral counselor, I do a great deal of counseling. This book is a very welcome resource that helps me practice my skills and attempt to delve deeper into people's lives.

Every chapter has spiritual practices suggested at the end of the book. While I did not practice these, I can see the added value they bring to the text.

The writing is clear and non technical. However, Mrs. Stairs does provide ample research to back up her claims.

I highly recommend this book for all who deal with the soul, in particular pastors, deacons, and lay people.

Grade: A-

[Terri Milstead · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good concepts but not a book I can honestly say I enjoyed. I felt like much of what it had to offer did so by reminding me of other things I have read...so it did more to pull other concepts together into one "pastoral care" setting for me than to present a lot of new things to me. I did think the information about listening to the souls of children was a new and respectful way to approach ministering to our youngest inside or outside the faith community.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book, providing not only convincing arguments for how and why spirituality should be incorporated into pastoral care, but also very specific exercises, questions, and ideas on how to do so. This book was a pleasure to read, and I'm sure I will refer to it again and again as I enter into pastoral care work.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for both spiritual directors and pastors about listening for what the soul is saying and needs with those we interact with. My only wish is that the last chapter came first, to better make a distinction between the two.

[Klanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid guide for ministers looking for ways to work with their congregations on spiritual development.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the texts for the class I'm in right now. Interesting concepts.