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.