Immanence and transcendence in pastoral care: some basic considerations

Sees pastoral care as the total response of pastor and congregation to people in crisis. Both immanent and transcendent aspects of such responsiveness are important. Immanence is being with troubled persons in understanding and dependable ways; transcendence is being sufficiently detached from the situation to make realistic assessments, identify growth goals, and find ways to facilitate spiritual growth. Both modes need to be combined in pastoral care as a form of crisis ministry. Discusses assumptions and methods for such a combination and illustrates with an actual case.