PFP Page 3
PREFACE
Do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7)
Pastoral or Spiritual care is
the work involved when a person assists in promoting the inner
well-being of another through the provision of general and spiritual
support and comfort, and assistance in times of need.
Every person of any age who
cares can benefit by learning more about the skill of caring.
Caring
spiritually for others is an important element of a service in Christ.
People of all ages (including children) become ill from time to time.
Being able to help others regain their peace of mind through
appropriate emotional and spiritual assistance is an essential activity
for Christ’s servants.
Why is spirituality important in our life? We deal with this in more detail later, but, out the outset, we must say that our spirituality is what helps us have a meaning and purpose in our life. If we have this, we have a greater likelihood of having peace in our inner self - something we all strive for.
Of course, we also care for well people. Many of the considerations and skills in a learning program can be equally applied in our caring for people and friends in everyday life. This includes people, like us, who experience the ups and downs of life and frequently would benefit from a skilled and caring friend and listener.
This Program (PFP) and the associated Handbook are both a resource and a ‘training’ activity. It is intended for use by anyone as a basis for the training of being a pastoral friend.
May God be with you in this
aspect of His service.
