A womanist perspective of pastoral care ministry: The power of presence in pastoral care within the African American church/community

摘要

This project examines the power of presence in pastoral care ministry within the African American church/community. "Presence" has seldom been defined by the characteristics it communicates. This project explores the churches influence within the framework of history, culture, and identity, which are inseparable in pastoral relationships. A phenomenological process provided data from a Bible study, case study, experiential travel, questionnaires, pastoral care visits, and interviews, which are interpreted to define Presence. The data affirmed a need for theological construction that embraces understanding of history, culture and identity to clarify the power of presence in ministry within the African American church/community.