This book brings a balanced, spirituality-based perspective to the dead center of tragic human experiences----violent crimes, homicides, natural disasters, automobile accidents, suicides, child abuse, and more. Author and chaplain Thomas Shane tells dozens of often brutal but ultimately compassionate stories of what it is like to provide crisis pastoral care to those caught in the grim reality of such critical incidents. As a police and hospital chaplain, the author has worked with law enforcement professionals for 30 years. His life is dedicated to the victims and families involved in tragedies, and particularly to the needs of police officers. These brave men and women are generally the first responders to crisis: they are the ones who hear the sound of a mother's grief, or first see the remains of the dead, or first bear the silence of those who are shocked and confused. Shane tells real-life stories of compassion in action. His words will both encourage and instruct other helping professionals to be might be better prepared to deal with their own and other's needs during a crisis situation. The book gives readers an insider's understanding of what crisis ministry is about. Shane's approach is experiential, not theoretical. He candidly reveals his own struggles, doubts and fears, along with the courage, faith and hope that sustains his life and work. He even addresses the complex and challenging task of offering care and spiritual counsel to the perpetrators of crimes. Topics include: general principles for working with police; helping people deal with guilt and find forgiveness; offering spiritual help to everyone; the real and personal risks in crisis intervention; death notification; chaplaincy and terrorism; what is the pastor's authority, and what is not. While many good books reveal the theory of pastoral care and the dynamics of grief work, Crisis Pastoral Care borders on a memoir of life in the midst of disaster. It will inspire and educate front line law enforcement officers, EMTs and the chaplains who work with them, as well as grief counselors, psychologists and local clergy. Anyone who deals on a regular basis with the victims of crime and disaster will find this book an invaluable resource.

Crisis Counseling is written for persons who seek to provide such assistance, whether as ministers or hotline volunteers or pastoral counselor.

Argues that children do not often receive the pastoral care they deserve, and explains how to use puppets, games, art, storytelling, or writing to help them express their concerns

Dr. Floyd helps readers understand the nature of crises events, how individuals are impacted, and how to best provide help during and following times of trauma, loss, and grief.

Practical care and counseling skills for pastors

Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling remains the standard in pastoral care and counseling. This third edition is enlarged and revised with updated resources, methods, exercises, and illustrations from actual counseling sessions. This book will help readers be sensitive to cultural diversity, ethical issues, and power dynamics as they practice holistic, growth-oriented pastoral care and counseling in the parish.

This volume provides all who minister to young people with an effective blueprint for building a truly meaningful ministry

"You know it's coming. The call. The alarming call. Something is dreadfully wrong, and you're called to do something to help. No time to hesitate. No time to hand off the responsibility to someone else. Time only to pray and go. And be God's stand-in in time of crisis. Exactly when the ugliest, harshest blows fall, the call goes out for a pastor. Probably you. You've been there before. You know you'll be there again when the newborn dies. You'll be summoned when the blood had barely dried following a suicide. Your phone will ring when the marriage bond is stretched taut.You'll be there, but will you be able to redeem the crisis? This book contains the insights and wisdom of pastors and counselors who have answered the call into crisis. They've been there many times. And they know what to do. And when. And how. Here's their best counsel on the nine problems pastors identified as the most difficult and prevalent calls into crisis. This is the eighteenth volume of The Leadership Library." -- BOOK JACKET.

Healthcare chaplain Kenneth Mottram offers practical guidance and spiritual counsel to pastors assisting patients and their families through the maze of medical issues.