1st Edition

Psychology for Christian Ministry

By Rebecca Nye, Sara Savage, Fraser Watts Copyright 2002
    336 Pages
    by Routledge

    336 Pages
    by Routledge

    This introduction to psychology has been devised for those training for and working in the clergy. Ideal both as a professional handbook and a textbook, it covers social, developmental, educational, occupational and counselling psychology, as well as the psychology of religion. It carefully considers the processes of personal change and growth central to religion.

    Part 1: Personality and religion 1. Spirituality 2. The psychology of church services 3. Diversity among Christians 4. Unhealthy religionPart 2: Development and teaching 5. Childhood and adolescence 6. Religious development 7. Teaching and preachingPart 3: Counselling and pastoral care 8. ageing, illness, bereavement, and dying 9. Emotional problems 10. Counselling and pastoral carePart 4: Organisation and the church 11. Social Processes in church life 12. The church as an organisation 13. ClergyPart 5: Psychology and theology 14. Concepts of human nature 15. Psychology and theology Afterword Bibliography Index

    Biography

    Fraser Watts is the Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Science in the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge. He is a past president of the British Psychological Association, and is author of several books on psychology and religion.
    Rebecca Nye specialises in children's spirituality, and has been Research Fellow of the Christianity and Psychology project in the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies.
    Sara Savage is the Senior Research Associate in the Christianity and Psychology project in the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies, and lecturer in Psychology in the Cambridge Federation of Theological Colleges.

    'There is much wisdom and, especially for the pastor, useful advice on how to apply psychological insights to ministry.' - Wesley Carr, Westminster Abbey, Theology

    'For those seeking to discover what help the discipline of psychology can provide for those engaged in Christian ministry, this is an excellent and long overdue starting place.' - Vaughan S. Roberts, Reviews in Religion and Theology