This book explores the relationship between the practices of pastoral care and the practices of spiritual direction with the aim of enabling pastoral caregivers to draw upon the guiding principles, resources and techniques of spiritual direction within the Christian tradition. With an emphasis on both "practice" and "presence," the book reclaims the tradition of "soul care" for the pastoral ministry, thereby complementing the medical, or crisis intervention, model of pastoral care with a wellness/growth model of pastoral care. Listening for the Soul: Challenges clergy to take seriously the relationship between pastoral care and spiritual direction. Integrates theological and psychological insights with issues of spiritual life and formation. Includes a chapter on the spiritual formation of children. Provides practical guidance for integrating spiritual direction with pastoral care. Tends to the pastoral caregivers own needs for spiritual deepening Includes reflection questions and case studies to enable the text to function on both the individual reader and classroom levels.
Jean Stairs is the 10th theologian and the first woman to serve as Principal of Queen's Theological College. She is Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry (Field Education, Homiletics and Pastoral Care). Born and raised in Ottawa, Jean Stairs moved to Hamilton, Ontario to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree from McMaster University and a Master of Divinity degree from McMaster Divinity College. Following several years of pastoral ministry, she completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of Toronto and the University of St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology. Among her works are the books "Listening for the Soul: Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction" (Fortress Press, 2000) and "Be My Companion: A Study of Spiritual Direction" (Image Press, 1982). In addition, she has published numerous articles and chapters in books, including "Dancing on the Edge" in "Gathered by the River: Reflections and Essays of Women Doing Ministry" (Artemis Enterprises, 1994). Dr. Stairs belongs to The Association of Practical Theology, The Society for Pastoral Theology, The Canadian Theological SOciety, The Association for Theological Field Education, and the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion. In October 2000, Dr. Stairs delivered the prestigious "Chancellor's Lectures" for the Annual Conference at Queen's Theological College (Kingston, ON) on the theme of her recent book "Listening for the Soul". Jean Stairs's interests include gardening, preserving (jams/pickles), journaling, cycling, swimming, singing as a solist and in her church choir,and long country walks with her miniature schnauzer "Cady".
Introduction: Listening for the Soul Again 1. Soul Inquiry: Evocative Listening for the Soul 2. Contemplative Living: A Preventative and Restorative Approach 3. The Soul's Rhythm: Death and Resurrection 4. Credible Caregivers: Sustaining Spiritual Practices 5. Soul Companions: Listening for the Soul in Daily Life and Work 6. Children's Spirituality: Listening for the Soul of the Child 7. Toward Complementarity: Pastoral Care and Spiritual Direction Epilogue Signs of Soulful Pastoral Care Appendix A Case Study: Listening for the Soul Notes
