Practical Pastoral Care and Counselling

Academic Paper from the year 2014 in the subject Theology - Biblical Theology, , course: Doctorate, language: English, abstract: This book explains how pastoral care and counseling can be used therapeutically to help people in destress. The demand for pastoral care and counselling has significantly increased in the current era. The 21st century has witnessed remarkable growth in various aspects, especially in technological advancements. However, it has also brought about increased pain and confusion. People are facing suffering and hardships on a daily basis due to political violence, displacement caused by civil wars, economic struggles, communal breakdown, femicide, and family issues. The prevalence of unemployment, poverty, malnutrition, and diseases such as malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and now Covid-19 has led to immense suffering worldwide. Many individuals have lost their lives, and more are at risk until a cure is discovered. People are grappling with numerous oppressive forces that result in pain, depression, mistrust, and hopelessness. Through pastoral care and counselling, the church can provide hope to those in distress and facing uncertainties. This form of therapy offers individuals a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss their problems, worries, and difficult emotions.

Dr Thabo Putu is a Senior Pastor of the Orlando Baptist Church, a community church in Orlando East, Soweto. He has served this church since 2002. He was born and grew up in Naledi, Soweto, the heart of South African politics. He completed his primary and secondary education in Soweto, then went to study a university Diploma in education, Pastoral Ministry, Bachelor of Arts, postgraduate in Management, Master's in Management, and Development and holds PhD in Christian Education. Dr Putu is a qualified high School teacher, a lecturer, and a Management Consultant. He served Scripture Union South Africa, an international children and youth organization, as a Regional Director for Soweto and later Regional Director for Scripture Union Gauteng South. Dr Putu is highly experienced in Children and Youth Ministry. A Lecturer at the Baptist Convention Theological College for two years, teaching (Church History, Historical Perspectives to Missions, Introduction to missions and Counselling). He is also a Senior Lecturer and a Facilitator at the Northwest University, African Nutrition Leadership Programme, where he facilitates courses around Leadership, Lobbying, and Advocacy Management (22 years now). His strengths are Leadership and Community Development. Dr Putu is also an International Civil Society Research Fellow with Kettering Foundation, Dayton, Ohio, USA (2010), where he spent 7 months His fellowship included studying Democracy and Citizenship, Community Politics, Public participation, Leadership and Higher Education. His focus leaned more on Higher Education Community Engagement. He is well travelled. He is married to Vicky and has two sons OT and Phenyo