- Collection:
- Interdenominational Theological Center Theses & Dissertations Collection
- Title:
- A model for pastoral care in the Military Community Family Life Center at Fort Carson, Colorado, 1983
- Creator:
- McCall, Dan Campbell
- Date of Original:
- 1983-05-03
- Subject:
- Dissertations, Academic
Degrees, Academic - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
- Medium:
- theses
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- The purpose of the dissertation is to build a model of pastoral care that would provide a meaningful ministry to persons within the military community, based on situations unique to that system and offering solutions that are grounded in theological and psychological norms. The study will present a model, not the model for ministry, which would vary depending upon the characteristics of each individual military community. However, the study will incorporate basic construction elements that could be applied to other systems as well. Definitions of terms and concepts are found in. the first chapter, as are the limitations of the project. It is pointed out in the introduction that the objective of the dissertation--to establish a model of pastoral care--is unique in that it must apply to and meet the individual needs of the military community situation. The two major components are Theological Norms as a foundation,and Systems Theory, providing psychological methods. Unique characteristics of the military situation are outlined in Chapter II, pointing out specific needs and how they are being met through a growing awareness of the soldier's family requirements. The actual building of the model begins in Chapter III with the presentation of theological norms concerning open systems, relationships, and love as the determining factor in the quality of those relationships. Systems Theory is then applied (Chapter IV), especially in its approach to the counseling ministry, but also is tied in with all community programs. The action of Systems Theory applied to the foundation of Theological Norms evolves into the actual pastoral care model. An overview of the past year and one-half shows how the model has been effectively formed and is growing at the present time at Fort Carson, Colorado. Following a description of programs, activities, and the means for providing such services, the model is then applied to the counseling situation. A brief view of actual cases demonstrates the uniqueness of military counseling, and the effectiveness of a blending of theological and psychological concepts to bring about possible solutions. Three methods were used to bring this study to its conclusion, following the first step of being aware of the existing situations in the military and the need for adequate counsel. First, education and research brought forth a wealth of ideas, truths, suggestions, many of them new and generally unknown and unavailable to the general education of years past. These various theories were then culled, combined and related to the model being constructed. Finally, the proposed model was put into practice. This proved its worth, exposed its weaknesses, led to adjustments and most of all, gave joy and hope that the study would benefit those involved with it and thus have the effect of reaching out into the military community in a professional and loving way.
Date of award: 1983-05-03
Degree type: dissertation
Degree name: Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Granting institution: Interdenominational Theological Center - Metadata URL:
- http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/itc.td:1983_mccall_dan_c
- Holding Institution:
- Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, Ga.)
- Rights:
-
