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Document Details : Title: Personal and Spiritual Formation of the Pastor in Training Author(s): BISSCHOPS, Anke Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 15 Date: 2005 Pages: 201-216 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.15.0.2003476 Abstract : This article addresses the question how equipped pastors are for the demands of the pastoral profession. In the academic education of pastors in the Netherlands (but probably in other countries as well) cognitive forms of knowledge transmission still prevail – at the cost of personal as well as spiritual formation. Theoretical knowledge tends to leave pastors unable to cope with many situations in contemporary pastoral work. Not only personal qualities and a capacity for empathy are needed, but also specific leadership qualities such as the capacity for self-differentiation. But most of all self-knowledge and a certain degree of freedom from anxiety are needed. The fear of not being good enough can hinder the self-knowledge necessary for a continuous personal and spiritual growth. Pastoral supervision can play a role in this process by helping students gain more insight into their own motives and psychodynamics and develop a personal religious spiritual practice. |
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