Theology of relational care

The theology of relational care pertains to ministering to the personal needs of others, primarily individuals going through crises of a temporal nature. This may include individuals and families experiencing poverty, ill health, stigmatization, or ostracization from mainstream society. Addressing these needs in relation to theology is generally facilitated in a religious or parachurch environment. The teaching is birthed from the biblical teaching of the Great Commandment, which admonishes followers to love their neighbors, and is modeled in the earthly ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ. For example, he was intentional about spending time with and ministering to individuals who experience poverty, illness, depression, hunger, grieving, and whatever their need was in their life. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus told a story that highlighted loving our neighbors, which includes individuals who may be overlooked or marginalized by others.

See also

• Practical theology

Further reading

• Doehring, Carrie (1995) Taking Care: Monitoring Power Dynamics and Relational Boundaries in Pastoral Care and Counseling, Abingdon Press, 196 pages. ISBN 978-0687359349
• Hahnenberg, Edward P. (2003). Ministries: A Relational Approach, The Crossroad Publishing Company, 272 pages. ISBN 978-0824521035
• Cooper-White, Pamela (2006). Many Voices: Pastoral Psychotherapy in Relational and Theological Perspective, Fortress Press, 376 pages. ISBN 978-0800639570
• McArdle, Patrick (2008). Relational Health Care: A Practical Theology of Personhood, VDM Verlag, 256 pages. ISBN 978-3639057126
• Bloom, Jack H. (2013). Jewish Relational Care A-Z: We Are Our Other's Keeper, Routledge, 484 pages. ISBN 978-1136431432