Pastoral Counseling

by Wayne E. Oates

Book Overview

In the contemporary church, pastors take on many roles. One of the most important roles a pastor must play is that of counselor. However, this isn't always a natural fit for every pastor. In this creative and readable book, Wayne Oates offers a definitive argument for the history and future necessity of pastoral counseling.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 066424405X
• ISBN13: 9780664244057
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Masterful Paradoxes

In the 1974 title,' Pastoral Counseling,' the late Wayne E. Oates, has stated what he considered the eight paradoxes of what it means to do pastoral counseling. The book in essence is the detailed development of these paradoxes of pastoral ministry. The reading of the book was very enhancing to my own professional development as a Pastoral Counselor. Having met the man who wrote this book, before his demise a couple or so years ago, I can attest to the worth of reading this great Classical text on the art and science of Pastoral Counseling. I would recommend this book, as a required read for Theological students in the area of care. It is a shame however that, such books as this, are neglected in today's circles of Academia. Reading this book will suffice a lay person of any strata of society, in his/her better understanding of pastoral ministry, as one cares for the created souls of people.

One of a consistent line of great pastoral books

Dr. Oates writes material that is very pertinent to the profession of ministers. In "Pastoral Counseling" he specifically deals with the "unescapable priveldge" of pastoral counseling. He offers theorectical and practical helps to the reader by discussing the tensions that consistently are a part of pastoral counseling (such as, involving a theological or scientific approach to counseling, the private versus public ministry, being aggresive versus passive in counseling). These tensions are what ministers face everyday and they effect counseling just as much as they do any other part of a pastor's ministry. Dr. Oates helps the reader consider these tensions and then work towards a considered approach to pastoral counseling. That's why this book is a valuable resource for any minister or lay-pastor.