Pastoral Care

Institute of Ministry Leadership

January 9 – February 27, 2025
Every Other Thursday  12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Overview
This 8-week course (meeting 4 times) is a practical and flexible introduction to pastoral care that emphasizes skill development and pastoral care practices that are suitable in a variety of ministry contexts. It addresses questions such as, “What makes care distinctly ‘pastoral’ as compared to other kinds of caregiving? What skills and character traits should be cultivated to serve in pastoral care?” 

Learners engage with resources that provide theory and offer practices for skill development.

Intended Competencies
Our learning together in community is designed to:

      • explore the biblical, theological and practical dimensions of pastoral care
      • interweave listening techniques with spiritual principles that emphasize effective listening
      • gain exposure to issues of self-care, ethics and appropriate boundaries in the work of pastoral care

Dates and Time: Thursdays
January 9, January 23, February 6, February 20
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Location: The Bridge in Portage, MI

Cost per individual: $500
Cost per church: $2500 maximum