The pastor as enabler

Out of a personal struggle to understand and help a chronically ill friend the writer evolves a view of the pastor as enabler. The definition of enable, the role of the enabler, and the problems which prevent many from being enabled, are discussed. These definitions are illuminated by the Biblical perspective of Elihu in the book ofJob. The pastor who sees himself as enabler is able to bring perspective, clarity, empathy, compassion, and concrete help to the person in need.Chaplain Rusnak is a graduate of The Luthern School of Theology at Chicago.     

The pastor and his privacy

Pastoral Psychology -     

The minister as pastor and person

The image of the clown as developed by Faber to illustrate the role of the hospital chaplain as a deepening and unifying force in that setting is utilized to elucidate the role and needs of ministers as they function as significant professionals in the community. As such, they are both pastors and persons. As pastors, they are also symbols to others representing a reality larger than merely their own personhood. Nevertheless, for the most effective work, the development of the person as person is a prerequisite. Their increasing competence can be secured only through the supervision of their pastoral work by another highly trained, skilled and sensitive practitioner.