Duke University Hospital Room
“Light shining in from the Nursing Station”
May 2, 2022
“In a church we learn to do ministry together. We teach each other what Grace looks like and how it feels to be treated like a child of God.”
Douglas Brouwer, September 3, 2006
Second Presbyterian Church,
Indianapolis, Indiana
“Ministry is a robust theological category that brings divine action into human experience, helping us recognize God’s presence, even in a secular age.”
Andrew Root
I have become aware of the challenges to pastoral ministry that resonate with the dilemmas found in the current practice of medicine.
In mid April, 2022, I contracted Covid and was treated quickly. I got to see medical care at all levels of its provision. What was most remarkable was my hospitalization at Duke University Medical Center. At a time when the U.S. health care system is breaking, I experienced wonderful care from multiple providers at all levels. What I experienced was based on the implementation of a “Theory of Care“ as articulated by Kristen Swanson.
Swanson’s work is similar to the work of Andrew Root in his series of books looking at the status of pastoral ministry. What emerges is a thorough assessment of the “malaise” with a return to an expanded and historic response of caring His prescription is based on a deeper understanding of Western culture as described in the work of philosopher Charles Taylor.
The good news is that there are robust models of caring that are still working within the the caring professions. Nursing has demonstrated the reality of that caring ministry.
Thanks,
Marvin
References
Root, Andrew. The Pastor in a Secular Age (Ministry in a Secular Age Book #2) (p. xxii). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Taylor, C. (2009). A secular age. Harvard university press.
Brouwer, D. J. (2022). Chasing After Wind: A Pastor’s Life. Wm. B. Eerdrmans Publishing, Co.
Swanson, KM Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring
https://pmhealthnp.com/kristen-swanson-theory-of-caring-and-healing/
Hage, M. L. (2017). Healing Charity.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2017/05/healing-charity.html
Hage, M. L. (2016). Healing Doctors.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2016/12/healing-doctors.html
