Sometimes it is better to receive: Ministry in a long-term care facility

The story of the sinful woman who annoints Jesus with her perfume and tears at Simon the Pharisee's table (Luke 7:36–50) is used as a model for pastoral work in a long-term care setting. Intervention in the depersonalization of institutionalization is seen as an important aspect in such ministries. The focus of intervention is allowing residents to move out of the receiving role into the giving role. A case example of a patient-led Bible class is presented. The difficulties that professional givers encounter in shifting to become recipients are noted.