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The Steering Committee of the Society – Chris Schlauch (Chair), Teresa Snorton (Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, and Conference Registrar), Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner (Treasurer), and Richard Wallace (Corresponding Secretary) presented the program for the 2005 Annual Study Conference in Chicago at Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center, June 16 - 18.
Revisiting and Revisioning Pastoral Theology: Looking Back, Moving Forward, Negotiating Difference, Advocating Justice This year's theme provided the Society, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, an opportunity to reflect upon the past of the Society in particular and the field of pastoral care in general as a means of moving forward. This theme of how our past informs our future is derivative of the Ghanaian word Sankofa symbolized by the Sankofa bird. This movement between our past and our future was to be experienced by the way in which we moved throughout the Annual Study Conference.
The portion of the theme “ Revisiting and Revisioning Pastoral Theology: Looking back ,” began on Thursday, June 16 at the first plenary when Rod Hunter provided us with a presentation on the History of the Field. This presentation was followed by a panel discussion convened by James Lapsey with panelists James Poling, Nancy Ramsey, Larry Graham, and Peggy Way who provided reminiscences about the history of the society. On Friday, through the Contextual Workshop, engaged that portion of the theme expressed by - , moving forward, negotiating difference, advocating justice. Following the contextual workshop, we returned to the hotel for the theological study groups (See Below) and the society party and cultural entertainment. On Saturday, we engaged the overall theme through all of our activities that day. The Work in progress in the morning through the presentation by Jesus Rodriguez, engaged the theme of Moving forward. The banquet address was given by Emma Justes, one of the founding members of the society, present at the first meeting in Denver. Finally, that day as we attended to the business of the society and responded to various proposals, particularly one about holding the Annual Study Conference in Puerto Rico in 2007, we engaged the theme of moving forward.
SOCIETY LUNCHEON
The Society luncheon speaker was Emma Justes, Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology at Northern Seminary in Lombard Ill.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Jesus Rodriguez,Ph.D., was our Works in Progress Presenter. Dr. Rodriguez, a graduate of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, is a professor and dean at Inter American University of Puerto Rico . The title of his work, currently is “On Doing Pastoral Theology in the Caribbean Basin: From Salvation to Survival.”
SOCIETY CONVERSATION
The Society Conversation was used for discussion of the ideas presented and provoked by the various plenaries and workshops. Chris Schlauch facilitated.
THEOLOGICAL STUDY GROUPS
Each of the study groups focuses on a particular area, though the specific themes evolve, year to year. Under the leadership of two Society members, and with a continuing core of participants, groups welcome anyone attending a conference to visit and participate in conversation. Study groups meet annually, providing a small support community for ongoing research and related interests on theological themes. In this regard they differ from workshops, which are one-time contributions during which members present and lead discussions on specific topics. Theological study groups can disband if they have served their purpose, and new study groups can be formed. Anyone interested in becoming involved in a group is encouraged to contact a co-chair person at any time. These groups are not closed; everyone is invited to drop into a group of their choice to "test the waters," or to contact study group co-chairs during the year.
The Church and Christian Formation
Roslyn Karaban 585-271-3657 ext 280 rkaraban@stbernards.edu Charles Scalise 206-284-9000 cscalise@fuller.edu
The Church and Christian Formation study group enjoys the opportunity to hear and discuss a wide range of case studies on its theme. Sessions present and engage contemporary and historical case studies that critically examine ways in which the church impacts Christian formation of diverse individuals and groups. This year Martha Robbins from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary presented some of her research on transformations of Christian faith triggered by loss and transition, and Eileen Campbell-Reid presented a case study from her Vanderbilt dissertation research on Baptist clergywomen.
Embodiment
Glenn Asquith 610-861-1521 asquith@moravian.edu Carrie Doehring 303-765–3169 cdoehring@iliff.edu
The Embodiment group provides an arena for participants to talk in depth about research projects involving the theme of embodiment--issues of body image as well as issues of sexuality. Participants are welcome to bring handouts (outlines, excerpts, bibliographies, etc.) that describe their work and receive comments and feedback from the group.
Religious Practices and Commitment
Leonard Hum717-324-6286 x215 lhummel@ltsg.edu Jane Maynard 510-204-0717 jmaynard@cdsp.edu
We devoted the heart of our session this year to the consideration of three exciting projects: ?“Lived and Living Religion in Pastoral Theology and Care” Mary Moschella, Wesley Seminary ?“Abductive Research with Baptist Clergywomen” Eileen Campbell-Reed, Vanderbilt University ?“A Research Report on Ecclesial Practices of Care for the Sick” Susan Dunlap, Duke University
Theological Anthropology
J.F. Wickey 580-377-2622 jfw3rd@yahoo.com
For the past several years the group has met with no clear agenda, but with the intention to offer a supportive and critical ear to those who were working on particular projects, such as dissertations, articles, papers.
Theological Dimensions of Family
Herb Anderson 773-753-5327 ander312@aol.com Bonnie Miller-McLemore 615-343-3970 bonnie.miller-mclemore@vanderbilt.edu
Since its beginning, the group has engaged in a rich variety of activities from paper presentations, syllabi discussions, shared reading, family manifesto composition, and research-in-progress reports. The successful and desired practice of the past years has centered around an open invitation to participants to come prepared to discuss current research interests and projects. After brief introductions, those who want more time for discussion and feedback on their work identify themselves and the remaining time is divided up accordingly. Members of the Society who are interested in joining the group and presenting should contact Herb Anderson.
Pastoral Theology and Brain Sciences
David Hogue 847-866-3983 david.hogue@garrett.edu Pam Cooper-White 800-286-4616 x7375 pcooper@ltsp.edu
The Brain Sciences and Pastoral Theology study group attempts to bring contemporary findings in the neurosciences into dialogue with pastoral theology and pastoral psychology. Areas of interest include topics such as the mind/brain relationship, biological processes underlying human suffering and healing, the relational brain, and theological anthropology.
Economics and Pastoral Theology
Jim Poling 847-866-3985 jpoling@garrett.edu Pam Couture 716-271-1320 pcouture@crds.edu
Here is the proposed agenda for the 2005 meeting. We look for interested colleagues who are want to gain competence in integrating economics into teaching and research in pastoral theology.
“In the working session on pastoral care and economics we will focus on building the resources for writing and teaching in this interdisciplinary area. Jim Poling and Mark Jensen will present oral reviews of the value for teaching and writing of two books respectively, Rebecca Todd Peters, In Search of the Good Life: The Ethics of Globalization (Continuum, 2004) (sorry I don't know the title), and Joseph Stiglitz, Globalization and its Discontents (Norton, 2003). Pamela Couture will present the broad outlines of a chapter on the effects of globalization on children from her forthcoming book, with the working title Love, Justice and the Social Ecology of Children . Participants are invited to bring syllabi for any courses that include units on economic justice to demonstrate how we are using these materials in our field.”
WORKSHOPS
Workshops focus on a particular topic that reflects the current research interests of the presenter. These workshops were held on Saturday.
Constructionist Narrative Perspectives: A Resource for Pastoral Theologians Christie Neuger, Andy Lester, and Karen Scheib Presentations and discussion on constructionist narrative perspectives on “self,” what these perspectives contribute to the practice of pastoral care and counseling, and how we use these perspectives as pastoral theologians in our writing and teaching.
PRESENTERS:
Christie Neuger is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN
Andy Lester is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX
Karen Scheib teaches at Candler School of Theology of Emory University.
Formative and/or Curative: Teaching Pastoral Theology Today
Jaco J. Hamman Formation for ministry is a key task of theological education required by The Association of Theological Schools of seminaries seeking ATS accreditation. Formation in the arts of ministry is also a central task of teaching pastoral theology. Many seminarians, however, bring with them significant unresolved trauma that inhibits their formation for ministry. In some instances, a curative (from cura animarum or “the cure of souls”) and restorative journey needs to complement or even precede the formative journey. This workshop examined how one seminary addresses the challenge of weaving formation across the curriculum and restoring personal lives together. Participants had the opportunity to share how they address this dual task inherent to teaching practical theology.
Content: 40% Pastoral counseling, 60% Theory. Pedagogy: 75% Group discussion; 25% lecture. Jaco J. Hamman, Ph.D., is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Western Theological Seminary, Holland ( Michigan ).
Teaching Pastoral Care in Cyberspace: Warm Responses to a Cool Media
John C. Carr This workshop introduced participants to an instructional program that John has developed and run (twice) for the Elders' Institute of the Presbyterian Church in Canada . The program (Pastoral Care for Presbyterian Elders) is offered using WebCT, a widely used "virtual classroom." John demonstrated how he uses WebCT and talked about the components of the pastoral care program, the strengths and limitations of learning in this environment (including feedback from students in the two courses run thus far), and about his experience of learning how to facilitate learning in the WebCT environment. He also focused on the learning principles and theory involved in this kind of educational experience, and about how software platforms like WebCT can be used as the sole medium for learning or as adjunct to classroom and other learning modes.
Content: 75% Practice and 25% Theory Teaching/Learning Approach: 65% Presentation and 35% Questions/Discussion
John C. Carr, Ph.D., C. Psych. (AB # 1035) is a semi-retired Pastoral Therapist & Educator in Edmonton , Alberta , Canada . A Presbyterian Minister for 43 years, he has a small practice of Pastoral Counselling and Supervision and is Adjunct Faculty and Sessional Instructor at St. Stephen's College in the D.Min. Program and in the M.A. (Pastoral Psychology & Counselling) Program. John has been a Congregational Minister; a Pastoral Counselling Centre Executive Director; a Visiting Fellow in Pastoral Counselling & Education at a Church-related Counselling & Education Centre in Christchurch , Aotearoa New Zealand ; and a Pastoral Education Coordinator in a Psychiatric Hospital. John is a Diplomate of AAPC, a Teaching Supervisor (PCE and CPE) in CAPPE/ACPEP , and a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of AAMFT.
Learning Pastoral Care and Becoming Caregivers: A Polaynian and Theological Reflection of Narrativity and Praxis Bo-Rah Chung
How can pastoral care educators address the significance of situated knowledge to help struggling seminary students who often revisit their life experience in pastoral care classes? Learning about pastoral care involves both explicit and tacit dimensions of knowledge. This workshop aimed at presenting seminary students as creators of ‘personal knowledge' that allow them to relate exploring their life stories and experiencing a learning process. It also explored how Michael Polayni's concept of knowledge can illumine the epistemological and theological orientation of pastoral care education. Besides acknowledging the learning process, it is necessary to reflect on theological assumptions of human agency in terms of narrativity and praxis. The workshop was divided into three parts: 1) narratives of learning pastoral care, 2) Polayni's concept of knowing and doing, 3) group discussion. Content: 10% Opening and Closing Rituals, 30 % Presentation, 60 % discussion
Bo-Rah Chung is doctoral student in person, community, and religious life at Emory University and pastoral counseling resident at Care and Counseling Center of Georgia, GA.
Other workshops at the conference:
Pastoral Theology of Sacramental Ministry: The Inclusion of Lesbians & Gay Men Anne McWilliams
Disability & Pastoral Theology Janet Schaller
(Teaching Sexuality in Seminary Curriculum) Glenn Asquith, Peggy Way , Horace Griffin. This workshop was cancelled, but was scheduled to be offered in 2006.
Suspending Disbelief: Sexual Violence and the Military Kristen Leslie
Black Pastoral Theology Methodologies Homer Ashby
SOCIETY PARTY
The Society Party was held at the hotel on Friday, the 17th.
PLACE OF CONFERENCE Location - Chicago, Illinois Oak Brook Hills Hotel Resort and Conference Center 3500 Midwest Road Oak Brook , Illinois 65023-7010
Graduate Student Lunch Convener
J.F. Wickey was the convener of this group that met on Saturday morning over breakfast.
Displays at the Annual Study Conference
The Steering Committee has adopted a policy that commercial displays of goods for sale by members are not appropriate at our Annual Study Conferences.
CEU's
The Steering Committee has decided that it cannot provide CEU's for those who attend our meetings. However, Teresa Snorton, Recording Secretary and Conference Registrar, can provide a certificate confirming one's attendance at the meeting to anyone who needs it.
OTHER MATTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST
Nominating Committee
Sam Lee (ksamuelle@mac.com), the most recent Steering Committee member to rotate off, chairs this committee, which has responsibility for bringing a nomination for the Steering Committee to replace Chris Schlauch who rotates of this June. The Nominating Committee would very much like to receive suggestions. Please send them to Samuel Lee or to any member of the committee. The Nominating Committee cannot nominate its own members.
Society Bibliography
All members in good standing (with dues paid through the previous year) are invited to submit entries. Please note Guidelines for submission, posted on the website. Send submissions to Kathy Lyndes at kalyndes@yahoo.com.
Contributions to the Society for Pastoral Theology
Members of the Society participate in one another's lives, professionally and personally. We share manuscripts, solicit references, seek and provide referrals, celebrate achievements, provide support and care through transitions, and mourn losses.
Some members of SPT might have used this occasion of the 20th anniversary as an opportunity to make gift donations to the Society for Pastoral Theology in the form of memorials or tributes in honor of someone. This was a way to commemorate retirements, books, births, promotions. All memorials and tributes were acknowledged at the Saturday lunch, and acknowledgements were mailed later to recipients. If a member could not come to the Chicago meeting, a monetary gift can be mailed to the Treasurer, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, at the following address: Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary 2000 University Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001
In this vein, we are pleased to announce that Abingdon Press sponsored a coffee break in memory of Howard Clinebell.
Directory of Graduate Programs
A group of teachers of pastoral theology has met for several years under the leadership of Bonnie Miller-McLemore and Chris Schlauch to discuss issues in graduate programs in pastoral theology. A directory of graduate programs has evolved out of this ongoing group, and is posted on our website. Persons responsible for providing descriptions of programs are requested to send updated information as appropriate, as soon as possible, to Chris Schlauch.
A fine, useful directory of graduate programs in pastoral theology has been prepared by Sam Lee and Bonnie Miller-McLemore. The directory is available on the website. Persons responsible for writing the accounts of these various programs are requested to send Sam updated information as appropriate, as soon as possible.
SPT QUICK REFERENCE, 2005 Steering Committee
Chris Schlauch, Chair, 617-353-4395 crschlau@bu.edu
Teresa Snorton, Recording Secretary Membership Secretary,
Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Treasurer,Co-Registrar 563-589-3166 jmoessne@dbq.edu Richard Wallace, Corresponding Secretary,Newsletter Editor 651-641-3220 rwallace@luthersem.edu Journal of Pastoral Theology Editors
Joretta Marshall, Co-editor 314-918-2628 jmarshall@eden.edu
Journal of Pastoral Theology and the ATLA Project
The Journal of Pastoral Theology is no longer a publication fed primarily by material from its Annual Study Conference. In the year 2002 it became a two-issue-a-year journal that depends upon its total membership--not just conference presenters--for its contents. The co-editors of the Journal, Glenn Asquith and Joretta Marshall , are encouraging members of the Society to submit articles for upcoming editions. Pam Couture, the book review editor, is always looking for reviews. Please forward those to her.
Dues Dues include the Journal and semi-annual newsletters; $50 for regular members and $25 for students, retirees, and persons on low, fixed incomes. International members are not required to pay dues; but they have to pay registration fee. Canadian members are not regarded as international members. Checks are payable to "Society for Pastoral Theology," mailed with any new or corrected membership contact information, to Society for Pastoral Theology, c/o Teresa Snorton, ACPE, Inc., 1549 Clairmont Rd., #103, Decatur, GA 30033.
New Member Information The Society welcomes the membership of any person with professional interests in the field of pastoral theology. On our website at www.societyforpastoraltheology.org , see the Mission Statement of the Society for Pastoral Theology which includes a definition of pastoral theology, and the Journal of Pastoral Theology 's Statement of Purpose. One joins the Society and remains in good standing by paying dues; participation in the annual conference is strongly encouraged. New members: please include institutional or home address, e-mail address (if you have two email addresses, please choose one), where you prefer Society mailings to be sent (whether email or U.S. mail), and as much of the following contact information as you wish to provide: office phone, home phone, fax number.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATE
Registering for the Annual Study Conference gives members the opportunity to update their name, address, fax number, and e-mail address. Those unable to attend the meeting should contact Teresa Snorton (Membership Secretary) at teresa@acpe.edu, to ensure that the data recorded in the Directory is accurate and complete.
Please note: International participants : Membership dues are waived for persons traveling to the conference from outside the United States or Canada . These participants need to pay their registration fees. They may return their conference registration form in advance and pay any amounts due in U.S. dollars at the time of the conference.
Future Meeting Site: The June, 2006, conference will convene in Denver.
For information on other Annual Meetings, please visit the following links:
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