Self-care at the Core of Pastoral Care

This course is designed to promote an understanding of self-care for those devoted to caring for a congregation or individuals who struggle with many life challenges and ministry difficulties. Unfortunately, some caregivers (shepherds, missionaries, pastors, Bible teachers) think of self-care as selfish behavior and neglect to care for themselves. It’s heartbreaking to see them often becoming burnt out. Some of them don’t even realize that they are burnt out and continue to work and work. Caregiving becomes a burden; they often become resentful. Caregivers who neglect self-care are self-defeating in the end. Students will be exposed to some critical issues to form a foundation for self-care, which includes the importance of self-care as a caregiver, tending self to be healthy, building healthy boundaries, developing emotional intelligence, managing stress and anger, and preparing for Community Care.