CHCPAS401B Undertake Pastoral Care

Contents 1.What is Pastoral Care 2.A History of Pastoral Care 3.Pastoral Care Today 4.Professional Organisations for Pastoral Care Workers 5. World Religions 6. Denominations of Christianity 7. Culture and Spirituality 8. Understanding Worker Roles, Rights and Responsibilities 9. Confidentiality 10. Access and Equity 11. Addressing Economic Disadvantage TC Training would like to acknowledge the A Bit Better Corporation for the Screen Beans that appear in this unit. 12. Relationship Skills 13. Conflict Resolution 14. Empathic Responding 15. Making a Referral

In Judea/Christian traditions, the image of a shepherd caring for his flock is one of the most common images associated with pastoral care. This image appears in both the old and new testament in the bible. One of the most well known Bible verses alludes to this: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ (Psalm 23). The image we get is that the Lord is looking out for us, his sheep, bringing us back to safety when we go astray. The original definition for pastoral care was that ‘pastors were to care’. The Latin meaning of the word pastor was ‘shepherd’ therefore it was believed that it was the responsibility of pastors to shepherd the flock. If you are apart of a larger church you would know that it would be impossible for the pastor/s to shepherd the entire flock (all the people who attend your church). There is now a shift of focus which involves the whole church in the pastoral care process, not just the pastor or a select group of leaders. Historically, pastoral care was only practiced in the church. Over the years it has become a much broader concept and is practiced within and outside the church. It is used in a variety of settings including schools, jails and hospitals. 1. What is Pastoral Care?

What does a Shepherd do? It is important that we consider what the role of a shepherd actually involves. The Bible contains a number of passages that provide us with insight. Psalm 23 was written by David and focuses on the ‘pastoral care’ that God provided to him. As you read, consider what characteristics of a shepherd are evident in the psalm. ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Have a think about the role of a Shepherd. You may also like to read Ezekiel 34 and John 10. It is the job of the shepherd to take care of the needs of the sheep in their flock. If one of the sheep wander it is the job of the shepherd to guide that sheep back to the safety of the group. In the same way, as a pastoral carer your role is to watch out for the sheep entrusted to you. 1. What is Pastoral Care? You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Psalm 23: 1-6 NIV)