"Just Ministry" is a book on professional ethics for those involved in pastoral ministry, whether ordained or lay. It aims to stimulate a new attitude among ministers to view themselves as professionals and to take seriously the responsibilities that come with this identity. At a time when concerns for misconduct, scandals of abuse, and liability have brought pastoral ministers under greater scrutiny than ever before and have threatened to undermine their morale, this book offers a positive perspective on the vocation of pastoral ministry and wise ethical guidance to foster integrity in ministry. In this way it is a resource of preventative education for pastoral ministry. By examining the professional aspects of a ministerial vocation, it provides a guide for ministers to be accountable in offering their pastoral service with expert knowledge and skill and with good moral character. It builds upon a theology of vocation, a covenantal model of ministry, and a vision of professional identity.
Contents:
Introduction -- 1. Ministry as Vocation -- Vocation -- Called -- To Be Human -- To Be a Disciple -- God's Providence -- Gifted -- Discerning Gifts -- Freedom for Ministry -- Service -- Community -- Called from the Community -- Serve the Community -- Sustained by the Community -- 2. Ministry as Profession -- On Being Professional -- Called -- Covenantal Model of Pastoral Ministry -- Symbolic Representative of the Holy -- Gifted -- Specialized Knowledge and Skill -- Theological Reflection -- Service -- Mission of the Church -- Officer of the Church -- Fiduciary Duty -- Community -- Accountability -- Code of Ethics -- 3. The Minister's Character -- The Virtue of Virtue Ethics -- Character -- Intention -- Emotions -- Imagination -- Virtues -- Forming Character -- Implications for Ministerial Formation -- Selection -- Emotional Development -- Spiritual Practices -- Friendships -- Mentors and Models -- Community's Culture -- 4. The Virtuous Minister -- Cardinal Virtues -- Charity -- Justice -- Fidelity -- Self-Esteem -- Prudence -- Everyday Virtues -- Gratitude -- Generosity -- Compassion -- Humility -- Holiness -- Courage -- 5. The Dynamics of Power -- Ecclesial Warrants -- Church as Hierarchy -- Church as Communion -- Church as Sacrament -- Personal Power -- The Professional Pastoral Relationship -- The Nature of Personal Power -- Institutional Sources of Power -- Personal Sources of Power -- Extra-Rational Sources of Power -- Symbolic Representation -- Religious Authenticity -- Boundaries -- Common Boundaries -- Challenges to Forming Boundaries -- The Fiduciary Responsibility -- The Lure of the Friendship Model -- Dual Relationships -- Social Power -- Organizational Culture -- The Clerical Culture -- The Call for Accountability -- Assessing the Use of Power -- Ethical Criteria -- Psychological Model -- The Model of Jesus -- 6. Sexuality -- Sexual Conduct -- Sexualized Behavior -- Sexual Abuse -- Sexual Exploitation -- Sexual Harassment -- Sexual Fantasy -- Cybersex -- Good Touch/Confusing Touch/Bad Touch -- Ethical Assessment -- Justice -- Fidelity -- Strategies for Prevention -- 7. Confidentiality -- The Presumption of Confidentiality -- Ethical Foundations -- The Dignity of the Person -- Justice -- Fidelity -- The Limits of Confidentiality -- Canon Law -- Civil Law -- Ethical Limits -- Justice -- Fidelity -- Prudence -- Betrayals of Confidentiality -- Invasions of Privacy -- Pastoral Visits -- Illustrations in Preaching and Teaching -- Prayers of the Faithful -- Records and Recordings -- Environment -- Gossip -- Pastoral Publications -- Strategies for Prevention -- 8. Pastoral Care -- Preaching -- Fidelity to the Text -- Fidelity to Experience -- Fidelity to the Community -- Preaching on Moral Issues -- Managing Finances -- Pastoral Moral Guidance -- Appendix: Statements of Ministerial Commitment -- Mrs. Pat Morgan -- Br. Jeff Shackelton, OFM -- Notes -- Index.
Binding: Paperback 271pp.
Pub Date: January 01, 2010
ISBN: 0809146312 EAN: 9780809146314
