Session 4: Caring Qualities
Aims
By the end of this session you should be able to:
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Describe the characteristics required of a carer
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Explain how Jesus shows his compassion and care
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List the qualities required of a Christian carer
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Understand and describe the three main models of Pastoral Care
Prayer
Loving God, you are merciful and forgiving. Surround with your comfort all those who are struggling this day in body, mind or spirit; may they and we experience your generous love, renewal and hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Qualities of a Pastoral Carer
Recap on previous weeks – what strikes you from your notes / doodles that you have found challenging? What pastoral care have you given and received in the past week?
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Read Chapter 2 'Being Human' in Margret Whipp on the Hub (access instructions can be found here) and then take the quiz here.
Now make a note of the top 10 qualities you look for in someone who is offereing pastoral care. If you think of more than 10 then whittle them down to the most important to you. If you can’t think of 10, phone a friend, look on-line, go to the discussion forum and ask a question.​
Jesus the Carer
Choose either Matthew 14: 25 – 31 or John 19:26-27 for some in depth study and reflection, and the spiritual practice of imaginative prayer of an incident where Jesus cares for those close to him.
Notice
Listen for the final time noticing how you feel.
Reflect
How did Jesus show his care for those in the story? What difference do you think this made to them? What caring qualities can you identify?
Review
Coming back to yourself – review the whole story, answer the questions again, and notice any insight or challenge.
Repeat the above exercise with either Luke 19: 2- 9 or Mark 8: 22 - 25 for some in depth study and reflection, on an incident where Jesus cares for people he met.
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How do these stories compare with each other?
Models of Pastoral Care
There are three main models of Pastoral Carer:
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the Shepherd
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the Wounded Healer and
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the Wise Fool.
Click on this link to read more about each model.
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Is there one model that particularly appeals to you and if so why?
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What do you feel to be the strengths and weaknesses of each?
Make a note of your answers in your reflective journal.
Exercise
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Go to page 46 of ‘Exploring Pastoral Care’ and read the Summary at the top of the page. Then, against the qualities listed, give yourself a confidence score out of 10, where 1 is low, and 10 is high, as to whether this is something you recognise in yourself. In case you prefer not to write in your text book we have created a table for you to print out which you can find in the Resources Section below.
Finally, ask someone who knows you to look at the list with your confidence scores, and ask them to say if any could be higher.
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Reflect – we don’t have to be fully confident in all areas!
Caring Characteristics
Spotlight on Doctrine
Pastoral care and the Christian faith is a matter of grace and not works. Take a look at the cycle of grace at this web link: http://lovelifegivingwater.com/identity/understanding-the-cycle-of-grace/ and notice anything that might challenge you in your care of others. Write three things down in your learning journal for discussion in your Learnig Support Group.
Spotlight on a Safer Church
With what you already know about promoting a safer church, what are the main issues you have identified this week in order to be safe when involved with pastoral care? Make a note in your learning journal.
Spotlight on Spirituality
We have used a version of prayer and study in this session which is often used to engage the imagination.
Some people find this easy and very helpful and others find it difficult and not very helpful.
How did you find it?
Reflect
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What has particularly struck you in this session?
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What has challenged you personally to grow?
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How will you use some of what you have learned as you live out your life of faith?
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How will you use it in your ministry?
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In no more than 300 words, post your thoughts on the Forum
Pray
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
all things come from you:
from you come our life, this world
and all that we have and are.
Help us to love one another as you have loved us.
Blessed are you, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.
Amen
Something Practical To Do
Invite someone to share some time with you and ask them to tell you about their thoughts on the caring qualities needed to offer pastoral care well. Notice what you hear them say, and repeat back to them a summary of what you heard to see if that is what they meant to say.
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If you like, share some of what you have found on the Forum
Resources
