What does it mean to be a spiritual caregiver? How does one provide spiritual care in a world increasingly resistant to organized religion and institutional structures? This course engages what it means to be an instrument of Christ in a world with increasing meaninglessness and hopelessness. In this course, students will examine the biblical foundations of spiritual caregiving, the interpersonal development of spiritual caregivers, and the capacity of spiritual caregiving to generate personal and societal transformation. This foundational course prepares spiritual caregivers to go on towards a caregiving specialty.
Modern life and its conveniences have not resulted in greater meaning and purpose for the broader society. As people face crisis, existential distress, and hopelessess, the body of Christ carries the hope of the world in its message. People are increasingly open to receiving spiritual guidance and care. This course equips students to think and act intentionally in the engagement of those in need.
People hurt. People struggle. Modern life presses hard on the souls of people. Spiritual caregivers engage people where they are, and out of those needs comes a word from God. Spiritual caregiving is essential mission work and represents a relevant need in today's world.
The Bible speaks clearly of engaging the needs of the hurting as a means of reaching them with the message of the gospel.
Spiritual caregiving is practical and places the believer where the people are, joining God in where He is working in the world.
Spiritual caregiving offers faith in hope in the midst of a particular context or crisis. It is not theology in a vacuum, but practical theology that seeks to make a difference in the lives of particular people with particular needs.
Because spiritual caregiving is contextual, it then becomes intercultural. Because the believer is stepping out into the world, spiritual caregivers engage people beyond their own tradition and culture.
Spiritual caregivers engage practical, real world problems with love and care. Students in this course will engage practical interventions that will make a difference in people's lives.
Spiritual caregivers learn by doing and engaging. This coursre will emphasize hands-on experience as a means of mastering the art of spiritual caregiving.
