DESCRIPTION: As ministers we are often confronted with the realities of death
and dying, suffering and losses. We are called to assist those confronted by
this reality by bringing hope. This course will explore the multifaceted
dimensions of grief and dying, the meaning of pain, the theological
understanding of suffering, as well as of healing in the context of Christian
faith. We will emphasize the pastoral role in the caregiving ministry
particularly within the context of the Latino culture.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Ministry is particularly relevant when it
is provided in the context of losses, death, and grief confronted by those who
are assisted. The effectiveness of the pastoral role is a function of
processing and reflecting the minister's own experiences; the understanding of
pain, suffering, and healing from a theological perspective; and the
implementation of skills needed to provide assistance to those in need.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course, participants will have (1) come
to understand the multiple processes of grieving loss particularly within the
Latino culture; (2) become familiar with different models of counseling related
to grief; (3) reflected on their own experiences related to losses and pain,
exploring implications for their ministries; and (4) developed skills to assist
bringing incarnational presence.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for a three-hour session. We
will pay attention to both content and process: our own losses and their
implications for ministry; different theological understandings of death,
dying, healing, and hope; and specific clinical skills required to assist those
who are suffering.
REQUIRED READING: