Pastoral Care

Listening is a powerful ministry. I bring a non-anxious, centered presence to pastoral relationships, and practice the art of listening,both to what is said and what remains unspoken. I am a skilled short-term counselor, especially good in crisis situations, and build a good referral network in communities where I serve. I've volunteered as an on-call chaplain for hospitals in several communities. Over the years, I've developed a good working knowledge of family systems theory, especially as it is applied to congregations. Human personality theory is a specialty. As a certified provider and interpreter of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the most widely used instrument for personality theory in use today, I have worked with individuals, couples, groups, and organizations to help them better understand themselves and others. It is an especially helpful tool in working with congregations and in fostering healthy staff relationships.

Over the years, I have worked closely with teams of lay ministers in pastoral care ministries. These volunteers help extend the ability of a congregation to connect with many lives and respond to many needs. I value and rely on these relationships.