Tend My Flock: Sustaining Good Practice in Pastoral Care - Softcover

"This book will be a vital resource for anyone engaged in pastoral care of for counsellors working with people in pastoral care roles, whether as therapists or, increasingly, in pastoral supervision. (...) Kate Lichtfield, as Counsellor to the Diocese of Norwich, is ideally placed to undertake this task and brings to it her experience with many clergy, lay ministers and their families. (...) The book addresses almost every key area for good pastoral care and where things go wrong in ministry -often with dreadful consequences for all concerned. Lichtfield is profoundly realistic about the processes that lead to broken boundaries, abuses of power and consequent disaster. (...) There is much wisdom in this book and many fruitful questions, whether for those new to ministry or seasoned by years of experience. I will be recommending it strongly to colleagues, supervisees and continuing to draw on it myself." -- Chris Jenkins 'Although all readers at some point in their ministry are likely to be engaged to a greater or lesser degree in pastoral care, this book is intended for those, chiefly clergy, for whom a pastoral ministry is an integral part of their work. It is full of wise and practical insights into the complexities and pressure of pastoral care, covering such issues as confidentiality and trust, loss and bereavement, authority and vulnerability. It centres especially on the stress upon those exercising this ministry and would be valuable to all those apt to overlook the emotional strain placed upon our ordained colleagues. Beginning life as a booklet offering practical advice for local clergy, it has been developed into what amounts to a textbook of good practice which would be valuabe reference for sharing in a ministry team.' -- Robert Bevan The Reader

Tend My Flock is a companion and guide for ordained and lay ministers seeking to live their pastoral ministry well, amid all the complexities and pressures of contemporary society. Much pastoral care is exercised with integrity and sensitivity and yet there are many potential hazards. "Tend My Flock" addresses issues which often remain unspoken, inviting dialogue, reflection, honest self-examination and the courage to share struggles and dilemmas with colleagues, friends in ministry and family members. It offers practical, tried and tested guidance in key areas including: confidentiality and trust; power, authority and vulnerability; setting and maintaining boundaries; safeguarding health and well-being; maintaining positive personal relationships; and, transition, loss and bereavement.