Pastoral Care for Slum workers Revealing the heart

Pastoral Care for Slum workers Revealing the heart of a servant

What is the desired outcome of pastoral care for those we train and work amongst? Maturity in Christ n Just as we are born and grow from childhood through teenage years to adulthood and then to being mothers and fathers n We are destined to follow the same pattern in our spiritual development…. holistic maturity. n

A theological/Biblical model for pastoral care! n Ephesians 4: 13 - Till we attain the stature that belongs to Christ, through discipleship n I John 2: 12 -14 - Progressing from children to young persons to parenthood n Psalm 78: 70 -72 - The integrity of his heart guided them with skilful hands n Psalm 23: 1 -3 - The Lord is my shepherd

An holistic approach to community care……… n n The Transcendence of God He is Almighty, Creator, All Powerful – we feel secure in being sons and daughters of His family, a sense of belonging. n n The Immanence of God Revealed in Jesus Christ as Immanuel – God with us, His presence is with us no matter where we are, comforting and empowering us.

A dual encounter of God and His personhood? n n We want our trainees to encounter God in His Immanence. His closeness and friendship where we sense Him walking with us thru’ every situation. n n We want our trainees to encounter God in His power majesty and holiness, being His Transcendence A God who has everything in His hand.

Nobel Prize winning Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote a Gitanjali – a song offering……… n “The human soul travels far and wide searching for the Divine before he returns to his own self and finds Him in the sanctuary of his own heart. God is immanent as well as omnipresent”.

God’s nature revealed to humankind – in the Trinity n n n The Trinity is three persons living for eternity in perfect unity The three persons of the Trinity all seek to serve one another in unconditional love The heart of God is the true heart of a servant. Christ has been revealed as the servant King. His unseen Spirit serves the Church by teaching, healing, empowering, guiding, loving, uniting, and giving gifts. The Spirit never seeks credit for what He does.

Mankind created in His image Genesis 1: 26 Mankind was created as the climax of God’s creation. n Mankind was created to show the beauty, genius and glory of God’s nature and character. n Mankind was created in trinity… Adam, Eve, God, then Cain and Abel. A community. n

The marred image of God n n When Adam and Eve sinned they cut off their immanent relationship with God. Genesis 3: 8 Broken relationships with God and peers have marred human history, and allowed Satan access to the souls of mankind. God planned families, unity, love, and caring communities. Satan has promoted independence, strife, fear and hatred.

Healing broken relationships n n Sin broke our relationship with God. Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. Our sinful actions break our relationship with God. Rom 14: 23. Confession leads to healing. James 5: 16 Christ initiated healing of our broken relationship. n n n Sin, injustice, hopelessness and independence have broken our relationships with our family. This has led to a high level of dysfunctional behavior in slum communities. We can be examples of Christ’s reconciling work.

Appreciating the precious nature of human kind……? n n n God made mankind as the climax of creation. The product of immense unduplicated creative genius We are fearfully and wonderfully made Every person is a child of God whom He loves dearly Christ would have died for each one of us Our make-up is a very delicate balance of many parts or aspects of our personhood. If one part of out of balance our whole person suffers We are precious irreplaceable beings

We search for identity and significance…in life ……? n - In God’s family Adopted sons and daughters Members of an extended family Of royalty Eternal covenant and blessing Authority to act in Christ n - In the human family Sons and daughters An extended family Status? Blessing? Limited authority?

Significance not importance n - - Significance Our lives seem unfulfilled if we do not experience a dimension of significance. Reproducing was God’s way of giving us significance in children and disciples. n - - Importance Implies status and human endorsement. Not all will accomplish something important in human terms.

The diversity of physiology, personality, speech, race, gender. n Personality n - - language, writing, - Sanguine Melancholy Choleric Phlegmatic n Physiology - Short, tall, big, small, blonde, black, blue, grey, green, brown. - Speech oral, pictographic etc. n Gender - male, female etc. n Race - Asiatic, Arab, European, Polynesian, Melanesian, Micronesian.

What is your personality like? n The popular Sanguine? n The perfect Melancholy? n The powerful Choleric? n The Peaceful Phlegmatic?

n Your n Personality Profile? Please complete the questions sheets that develop your personality profile and complete a quick selfexamination of who you are?

The Popular Sanguine n n n n An appealing personality Talkative storyteller Enthusiastic and Expressive Curious Volunteers for jobs Inspires and charms others Makes friends easily

The Perfect Melancholy n n n n n Deep, thoughtful, analytical Serious and purposeful Genius, intelligent Talented and creative Likes detail, charts, graphs etc Organised, neat and tidy Perfectionist Economical Deep compassion and concern

The Powerful Choleric Born leader, strong-willed and decisive n Compulsive need for change n Goal oriented, organises and delegates well n Thrives on opposition and emergencies n Usually right and has little need for friends n

The Peaceful Phlegmatic Easy going personality n Calm, patient, well- balanced n Has administrative ability n Mediates problems n Easy to get on with n Has many friends n A good listener n

Evaluating your mental and emotional health……? n n n n A self-analysis exercise; Use the sheet provided answer the 25 questions. Rate each question with a 1 – 5 rating. 1 being Never and 5 being Always. Add the total score for the 25 questions. If your score is 65 -94 that’s good but this exercise has helped identify your low areas and to be more holistic in your mind and emotions give attention to these areas. If your score is 95 -114 your are an emerging leader, well discipled and suitable as a leader/trainer of others. The score 115 -125 is excellent. You have a holistic worldview and have been able to apply Biblical truth to every area of your life. If your scored 64 or below we will allow some time for a personal interview to help you map a path of development

Diversity in the Body of Christ is its strength! n n n The Apostle Paul taught us in I Corinthians 12– 14 that there are many parts to the Body, many gifts, many ministries and many leadership roles and styles. All are needed, all are good. We should view our trainee and slum communities in the same way. Celebrate the diversity. Male, female, mixed race, many worldviews, religions personalities etc. God created diversity. God is flamboyantly creative. It is man’s small mindedness that seek uniformity.

What is the goal of the Church? A living community… n n n Greek word “katartizo” meaning “the mended nets” loving, knit relationships. We are to knit people together in communities that will love, care, teach, encourage, prosper etc. To be the Bride of Christ n n To be an example of godly, loving community Christ-likeness To develop people in spiritual maturity through discipleship, deaconship, and eldership. Leaders in the community. Reflecting Christ in all they are and do.

The Acts Church – example n - Acts 2: 41 -47 Devoted Teaching Fellowship Holy meals Prayer Sincerity of heart Sensed God’s presence Sharing wealth Hospitality n - Praise Great joy Worship Burden for souls Evangelistic zeal House based Signs and wonders Apostolic leaders Favor with the community

Bringing people to maturity n - - Making disciples n Counting the Cost Encouraging - Healthy human obedience to relationships Christ’s commands - Laying down personal Developing a ambitions motivation based on “love”Jn 13: 34 - Re-evaluating our attachment to Being fruitful – personal John 15 possessions Becoming leaders in the community

Definitions n n n “Pastor” Derived from the Latin word for shepherd A shepherd who leads from the rear, guiding the flock to green pasture and water…serves the lambs to make them into reproducing sheep n n n n “Pastoral Care” Implies that a Pastor offers responsible development of the believers in Theology, Psychology Community and family wisdom A personal godly example Servanthood

The Pastors Christ-like advocacy before throne of grace n n n Christ is our advocate before Christ’s throne of grace continually The pastor of a community should not be too busy that he/she neglects the role of advocacy in prayer before throne of grace naming the people in the community. The pastors role as a community leader is a role model for the development of community leadership.

God is a God of compassion n - - God’s attributes that inspire us in pastoral ministry are; Loving-kindness, grace, forgiveness, compassion. Love of the truth, integrity and justice even when it costs Himself his own Son. Faithfulness to the everlasting covenant/promise of blessing.

The Holy Spirit’s actions in pastoral care n n n n New birth – John 3: 3 Conviction of Sin – 1 John 1: 9 Infilling of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1: 5 Grace – unmerited favor and enabling power – 2 Thess. 2: 16 -17 Continual filling – Eph. 5: 18 Bestowing ministry gifts – 1 Cor. 12 Bestowing leadership gifts – Eph. 4: 11 -13

The covenant people of God n n n n God is a covenant keeping God Christ offers His life in blood covenant with His church – eternal life by dying daily The covenant meal - communion The covenant baptism – water baptism The covenant’s eternal promise of trust and faithfulness – heavenly hope Covenant is fundamental to human relationships – intimacy only possible after covenant Marriage is a parallel of the covenant ideal

Covenant and pastoral care n n n Pastor is cares for his flock after commitment/covenant to Christ and to membership of the church The pastor keeps confidential the intimate care issues of the members unless authorized to share them The Church community acts with integrity and honor towards all members of the Church. Those who break the standards godly conduct are disciplined and then restored.

Pastoral Care in worship n n The human personality is “sacramental”. There is an essential mystery about each person, giving each person a unique dignity. Worship is an intimate experience in God’s presence. People need to worship in an atmosphere that allows personal expression without abuse. Inappropriate worship can strip a person of their worth and dignity. The pastor should take care to develop a safe, anointed worship environment.

Sacraments and pastoral care n n The human personality has many sensory response mechanisms that are capable of responding in worship. Eyes/sight, ears/sound, nose/smell, mouth/speech, hands/touch, feet/walking, knees/kneeling, arms/lifting, waist/bowing, heart beat/excitement, intelligence/brain for making music, breath/blowing an instrument.

We respond to sacraments that enhance our worship n n n A cross – contemplate Jesus crucifixion. Candles – give light reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world. They can provide perfumed smells. Stained glass windows – pictures of Biblical scenes. A table with a clean white cloth, bread and wine – the symbols prepare one’s heart for communion. Believers with raised hands – sincerity of worship, boldness. The Bible opened on a pulpit – respect.

Responses to sacraments? n n Our responses to a variety of sacraments, depends on the background and meaning of the symbols to each individual person. In some cases a symbol can have the opposite effect. A dark atmosphere with a few candles can be fearful to the person from an occult background. Care needs to be taken to collect appropriate symbols.

What issues would sacraments raise in a slum community? n n n Ask for feedback and reactions to a variety of sacraments suggested by participants?

The Bible and pastoral care n n The Bible is not a brick that is used to hit people over the head with. Legalism kills the work of the Spirit in the application of Biblical truth. n n Voluntary obedience opens the door to God’s wisdom and blessing. People who obey God in response to His revelation are filled with joy.

Influencing people to make the Bible their life’s guidebook. n n The example of your godly life lived out of the obedient consistent application of its truth in your life will influence people to follow your example. Appeal to the sensible reasoning that the Bible contains. Love your wife, and she will love you! Children who honor their parents will be blessed! You reap what you sow! Obey the laws/leaders of your country and it will be well with you!

God loves people, so do you! n n Preach/teach with passion from the Bible about the love of God, and the God of love. 1, 2, 3 John. Always present the faithfulness and attractiveness of God’s mercy, grace and love to people. Honor Him and He will honor you. Love people like God does. They were the climax of His creation (Genesis 1) and he made them like Himself. He cannot deny Himself. He loves everyone with an everlasting love and wants to redeem everyone to Himself. God has an amazing plan for everyone’s life. Help them to make the wonderful discovery.

Developing caring qualities n n Empathy – means to “feel with” or experience the same feelings Warmth – friendliness and considerate concern Genuineness – words and actions are consistent Prayerfulness n n n Helping the person see the need for help and change. Developing faith, hope, expectation, belief in a positive change is important for help to succeed Build a mutually helpful relationship

Goals for caring actions n Try to help the person or persons bring their life into order through focusing on changes in their emotions, thoughts, and behavior n - Use the skills of Listening Leading Supporting Confronting Teaching Problem solving Stimulating godly action

The Holy Spirit’s roles in helping those in pastoral care The Comforter – Psalms 23 n The Counselor – Isaiah 9: 6 n The Teacher of Truth – John 14: 26 n The Minister of Hope – 2 Cor 3: 8 -12 n The Encourager – Philippians 2: 1 n

The Holy Spirit as the equipper n n n n Savior of our soul – through regeneration. John 3: 3 Sanctifier. Romans 15: 16 Justifier. Rom 8: 33. Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1: 5 Empowerer. Eph 5: 18, Acts 2: 38 Giver of gifts. 1 Cor. 12, 13, 14 Renewal of relationships. 2 Cor 4: 16

Common sin conditions in human nature n - - The perverted image of humanity Blaming others Poor communication skills Selfishness Rebellion Poor decisions n - Broken relationship results in; Alienation Estrangement Dysfunctionality Loneliness Bitterness Dependency Addictions

God created Adam as a unified self, but the fall…. . n n But the fall divided the self into the needing self and the rejected self. n n n I need to belong I need selfesteem I need strength I am rejected I am ashamed I am weak

God’s answer to man’s dilemma was to n Adopt us into His family and sons and daughters n To justify us by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary

God’s answer to our false beliefs? n n The performance trap – we try to reach standards set by others for acceptance The approval addict – acceptance through approval makes me feel good The blame game – those who fail are unworthy of love Shame – I cannot change & have feelings of hopelessness n n Justification thru Christ’ imputed righteousness is what makes us pleasing to God Reconciliation thru Christ makes me God’s friend accepted by Him Propitiation by Christ’s death takes away God’s wrath & makes us loved by Him Regeneration makes us a new creature in Christ with a new power

We have received a restored identity in Christ n n We now have a unified self according to the created order Our social needs are now met because we are now loved, in community and “one flesh” n n n I belong to Christ, therefore I am no longer rejected I am of worth, therefore I am no longer ashamed I am strong in the Lord, no longer weak

The unified self is made in the image of God – Genesis 1: 27 We are like God with relationships and responsibilities over creation Relationships Dominion - with God - over creation - with family - control realms - with others - direct events n

Our fallen self is influenced by unbelief and rebellion Unbelief results in a lack of trust which cuts us off - From God’s plan for our lives - From our family covenants - From others in contracts - From the world by criticizing those who rule over us. n n - - Rebellion Enslaves us to uncontrolled appetites, desires, passions and external forces Causes us to disobey laws and irresponsibly use the environment

God’s strategy for our pastoral care ministry n n n Reconciliation - With God, mankind, and creation Belonging - A member of God’s family Edification/Encouragement - Building up the person thru insight into how to overcome problems Growth - Setting maturity goals that release multiplication of ministry Service - Developing a lifestyle of service to God and others

In your role as a Trainer you need to constantly apply these 5 key aspects of pastoral care to your relationships with your trainees…. n n n Reconciliation of relationships between you and the trainees and among the trainees Making sure all trainees feel they belong in the group Constantly encouraging and edifying each trainee Monitoring the growth of each trainee Ensuring that each trainee has a meaningful experience of service, both in the group and in their ministry activity in the slum.

Pastoral Care as prophetic ministry God calls his servants; - to challenge societies injustices - to critical contextualization - to bring down strongholds - to break the bondage of addictions - to assert the cause of truth n The pastor sees first hand the cases of these problems in a society and is best able to relate the impact on people to community leaders…

A Code of ethics for pastoral care – part 1. Trainers and trainees will; - Deal truthfully with people - Respect peoples right to privacy - Recognize the dignity of each person - Not take advantage of people for personal gain - Not make sexual advances to anyone - Recognize their limits in competency and refer people to professionals where necessary

A Code of ethics for pastoral care – part 2. n - Trainers will; Recognize the cultural context Uphold high standards of competence Exercise good stewardship Promote cooperation and unity Resolve conflicts Biblically Take action in cases of unethical practice has been observed Encourage supervision and accountability of themselves and others Always seek to grow and enhance their knowledge and experience

Referral as a pastoral care practice We are not equipped to solve every problem – be humble n We recognize areas of need that other specialists can be more effective in n We build a relationship with other professionals and assist in the referral process n We meet with and communicate with those professionals from time to time for feedback n

Pastoral care and prayer n n n The trainer is a mediator and advocate in prayer for those under his/her care Prayer is a lifestyle for those in pastoral ministry Prayer is a means for healing of self and others Prayer is communicating with God and being directed by His Spirit The trainer needs prayer and should develop a network of prayers for his/her ministry

Acknowledgements; n n n n n n The producer of this presentation wants to gratefully acknowledge the following persons and their publishers; Hector Avalos. Health Care and the Rise of Christianity. Hendrickson. USA Ken Anderson. Bold as a Lamb. Zondervan. USA. Neil Anderson, Zeulke and Zeulke. Christ Centred Therapy. Baker. USA Paul Billheimer. Love Covers. CLC. Canada. Larry Crabb and Dan Allendar. Encouragement the Key to Caring. Zondervan. USA. Gene Getz. Sharpening the Focus of Your Church. Moody. USA. Viv Grigg. Companion to the Poor. MARC. USA. J. Grant Howard. The Trauma of Transparency. Zondervan. USA. Samuel Lamb. Personal Interviews and conversations. China. Florence Littauer. Personality Plus. Fleming Revell. USA Kathi Mills. Broken Members, Mended Body: Building Ministry with Love and Restoration. Regal. USA. Robert S Mc. Gee. The Search of Significance. Word. USA. Ian Mc. Kellar. Violins of Change. Unknown, USA. Paul D Meier, Frank B Minrith, D E Ratcliff, Introduction to Psychology & Counselling. Baker. USA. Bryant L Myers. Walking with the Poor. Orbis. USA Ralph Neighbour Jnr. The Shepherd’s Guidebook. Touch. USA. John Pilch. Healing in the New Testament. Fortress. USA. Michael Slater. Becoming a Stretcher Bearer. Regal. USA. James Bryan Smith. A Spiritual Formation. Hodder and Stoughton. USA. Dr Joshua Sutjiono. Sermons and Interviews. Indonesia. Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali, Better Yourself Books, India.