Pastoral Care Emergencies
Overview
In this volume, David K. Switzer presents a clear, illustrative and practical manual for pastoral caregivers which covers the entire range of pastoral care emergencies typically faced by clergy, pastoral counselors, and lay caregivers. The chapters deal with issues such as situational crises, hospital emergencies, ministry to the dying, bereavement, suicide, divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse, and psychiatric emergencies. The question of when and how to refer is discussed in the final chapter. This book is highly practical in approach, but still extremely sensitive to the theological issues at hand in ministering to those experiencing great emotional, mental, and physical distress.
Top Highlights
“we need to realize that we don’t cause other people to behave certain ways” (Page 132)
“The cluster of items around death (dying, suicide, life-threatening illness, accidents and operations, and bereavement) were at the top of the lists in both frequency and intensity. Related to this cluster and overlapping it were all hospital emergencies.” (Page 4)
“een from other causes, exhibit a higher degree of anger, guilt, and their own suicidal feelings” (Page 131)
“Certainly, high among the spiritual needs of the dying person is hope” (Page 91)
“something arises unexpectedly and which needs immediate attention” (Page 3)
- Title: Pastoral Care Emergencies
- Author: David K. Switzer
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Publication Date: 2000
- Pages: 208
Reviews
1 rating
Steven Bell
3/22/2014
I teach pastoral care online. This book is a mainstay in my my bibliography for the course. It is a treasure trove of great principles and practices that are paramount for anyone providing pastoral care.
