Gentleness in pastoral care as a way of bringing healing to congregations within a culture of harshness

Rodney E. Miller

Etd

Gentleness in pastoral care as a way of bringing healing to congregations within a culture of harshness

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Rodney E. Miller. Gentleness In Pastoral Care As a Way of Bringing Healing to Congregations Within a Culture of Harshness. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/d0386257-bfef-4704-8c44-228863a71b71.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

R. E. Miller. Gentleness in pastoral care as a way of bringing healing to congregations within a culture of harshness. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/d0386257-bfef-4704-8c44-228863a71b71

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Rodney E. Miller. Gentleness In Pastoral Care As a Way of Bringing Healing to Congregations Within a Culture of Harshness. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/d0386257-bfef-4704-8c44-228863a71b71.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Rodney E. Miller

Keyword

Church and community

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

The project uses a narrative method to explore the nature of gentleness with its biblical and theological roots. It reflects on the way the harsh history of the anthracite area has shaped the attitudes and actions of members of the United Methodist Churches in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. In this respect special reference is made to the coal mines, the Molly Maguires, institutional violence, ethnic diversity, poverty, the railroads, economic depression, and local church history. Using a case study method, the project reflects upon the practice of a gentle style of ministry in various pastoral settings and its contribution toward overcoming obstacles to health and healing in these congregations. These settings include situations of resistance, distrust, and abuse of power. Boundary-setting and encounters with the demonic are also discussed.The main thesis of the project is gentleness creates a supportive, gracious and sacred space in which individuals as well as congregations can feel free and safe enough to let down their protective defenses and receive the healing and health which God offers. In the sacred space created by gentleness, God is at work to heal and to enable individuals and congregations to discern their power to overcome abuse in non-abusive ways. Gentleness, as gracious respect, enables people to change their attitudes and behavior to one another, God, and the community. This gentle leadership style has the potential to heal not only church congregations but also communities and nations.

Year