Models of Spiritual Care
MS 3XM3/5XM5/6XM6
The spiritual wellbeing of humanity is central to the mission Dei and the process of nurturing spiritual wellbeing in others is a vital component of Christian ministry. There are many ways in which spiritual care is provided and received both within and outside the community of faith. The reasons for this diversity in practice are varied and cannot be confined to a singular perspective based on historical typologies (cf. Gerkin, Halloway, Ramsay), ecclesiology (cf. Dulles), culture (cf. Lartey), etc.—although it is acknowledged that each of these perspectives provide insights concerning the practice of spiritual care. Participants will reflect on the social locations of spiritual care and how these influence spiritual care practice. Participants will reflect on selected historic models of spiritual care and how these models have undergone refinement, extension, diversification, and/or integration.
Knowing…
- To describe how the social location of spiritual care influences spiritual care practice.
- To identify and describe how contemporary models of spiritual care demonstrate continuity with historic models.
- To describe how contemporary spiritual care practices have changed as a result of the processes of refinement, extension, diversification, and/or integration.
Being…
- To become aware of the participant’s assumptions and biases with respect to the practice of spiritual care.
- To reflect on the participant’s self-as-a-ministering-person and how this shapes their practice of spiritual care.
Doing…
- To use case studies to practice framing the practice of spiritual care.
- To identify the participant’s current or anticipated practice context and which model(s) of spiritual care may be suitable in that setting.