Caring Ministry

In this text, Sarah Butler outlines what caring ministry is about. She explains the role of the caregiver and offers tips on how to listen attentively and thoughfully. She provides guidance on how to focus on feelings in the interaction between caregiver and the one receiving care. The Caring Ministry program was developed by the Pastoral Care Team at St. John as Episcopal Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, to train lay people in basic pastoral skills. Its premise is that there is no better way to cultivate a receptive posture towrd others than by praticing listening to God. The Caring Ministry Approach thus combines basic pastoral skills and guildelines along with an emphasis on being grounded in prayer. It invites both clergy and lay ministers to deepen the well of relationship with God as a means to developing a caring, listening heart.The text weds experise with reflection and draws up the rich stories and lessons from scripture that add the spark of wisdom and grace to psychological programs. It is particularly suited for use in church-based pastoral care programs.