At this week’s Theological Research Seminar, Justin Bertrand will be presenting, “Being Bilingual Children of God: Exploring a Pastoral Counsellor’s Role in Supporting Adolescent Identity Formation Within a Cross-Cultural and Public Sector Context.”
Read the abstract and bio below.
All are welcome to attend in Camelford Hall (room 226) at McMaster Divinity College at 1:00pm or via livestream at the link below:
Join the Livestream
Password: z00m (Note that the password has zeros rather than “o”)
Abstract
In the field of pastoral counselling, there is a calling not only to serve the suffering, but also to care for those who are considered other. Cross-cultural counselling is precisely the discipline which addresses a counsellor’s sensitivity and knowledge of different cultures, as well as their personal growth in engaging positively with diverse communities and peoples. For pastoral counsellors, the task of providing the care of Jesus necessitates radical cross-cultural awareness and competency. In this theological reflection, the goal will be to reflect on the role of the pastoral counsellor to support adolescent identity formation in public sector settings from this cross-cultural perspective. The reflection will share initial research findings on the topic and provide opportunity for theological reflection on the bilingual and bicultural nature of pastoral counselling and the implications of this nature for working with adolescents of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Bio
Justin Bertrand holds an M.Div. from St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto and is currently a part-time student in the MACSC program here at McMaster Divinity College. Justin works full-time as a counsellor in academic training at the high school level, where he offers counselling services to students using an integrated approach. He is also an active member of Shawvile United Church (UCC) as a choir member, musician, and occasional pulpit supply.
About TRS
The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) is a bimonthly gathering for all MDC students and faculty. TRS meets from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM on alternating Mondays, and includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.
All advanced degree students are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.
This year the organizing committee consists of Dr. James Dvorak, Dr. Phil Zylla, and Dr. Gord Heath. To submit a paper, contact a member of the organizing committee.