Divestment of pastoral authority: A model for healing

Traditionally the pastor has come to be responsible for the pastoral care needs of a congregation. This model suggests that by sharing this authority a pastor can empower the faith community and its members to bring about healing in a dynamic way. Healing is defined not in terms of physical rehabilitation but as the movement toward growth, wholeness, and maturity. The role of the pastor is redefined as one who leads the faith community to a new awareness of the mission of the church as a healing community.Reverend Lydic is Pastor of the Dixon Church of the Brethren, 215 N. Court Street, Dixon, Illinois 61201.