The origins of care
We live in a culture that assumes, or at least aspires to, an abundance of care. We care and long for care. We tend to think that not caring, or pretending not to care, are immature or deficient attitudes. Our giving care to others frequently gives meaning to our lives, and our receiving care from others makes us feel accepted and valued.
Pastoral care and the knowledge of God
In a world filled with strangers, thieves and robbers, where wolves abound, there is one that cares – and Jesus is unapologetic about claiming to be that one! Jesus is the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11). Jesus’ claim to be the Good Shepherd draws deeply on older passages of Scripture such as Ezekiel 34 in which the ancient leaders of Israel are castigated for their self-interest and uncaring attitudes.
To be a friend in the dust
The news anchor warned me that the story would be disturbing. It opened on a three-year-old Ukrainian boy lying in a hospital bed, connected by tubes to various apparatus. He stared into the distance, docile, while the reporter explained his story. Home bombed. Lost family members. The same atrocities we’ve been hearing about since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
The provision of Christian soul care
Ministry of care is a unique calling and privilege, yet very often we can be unsure how to approach this compassionate care. With pastoral experience at a remote hospital and Bible college in Tanzania and as an Anglican chaplain in one of Sydney’s top paediatric hospitals, Kate Bradford knows how important it is to work out of a steady and well-informed soul care practice.
Psalms in the pastoral care toolbox
The book of Psalms are a blessing to every believer. They offer words of wisdom and ways to remember the history of the Israelites and they provide prophetic words that point to Jesus and are fulfilled in him. And as those united by faith to Jesus, we can join with him in praying these profound works of poetry.
