Reflections on Narrative in Pastoral Theology
This essay recounts the story of a pastoral interaction with a man who tried to rob a local church on a Sunday morning. The individual had recently been released from prison and found himself in a position where he could not find employment. Lacking basic supplies and frustrated by his inability to...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
Journals Online & Print: | |
Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
Springer Science Business Media B. V.
[2016]
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In: |
Pastoral psychology
Year: 2016, Volume: 65, Issue: 6, Pages: 727-742 |
IxTheo Classification: | RG Pastoral care |
Further subjects: | B
Emotional content
B Ministry of listening B Eschatological self B Criminal behavior B Narrative B Prison Ministry B Social connection B Loneliness B Pastoral Theology B Christianity B Employment (Economic theory) B PRISON release |
Online Access: |
Volltext (doi) |
Summary: | This essay recounts the story of a pastoral interaction with a man who tried to rob a local church on a Sunday morning. The individual had recently been released from prison and found himself in a position where he could not find employment. Lacking basic supplies and frustrated by his inability to take care of his family, he almost fell back into familiar patterns of criminal activity. Turning to a variety of sources, this essay reflects on the ministry of listening, the human need for emotional connection with others, and the eschatological hope found in the Christian tradition. In providing room for the narratives of those we serve, pastoral theologians provide a gracious space wherein the Spirit moves upon the teller of the tale as well as the listener. Together, we are transformed as we follow the path of God's plot that unfolds chapter by chapter. |
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ISSN: | 1573-6679 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Pastoral psychology
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1007/s11089-016-0718-0 |