An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

The word „pastor‟ is mentioned 108 times in 11 documents and the word „minister‟ ismentioned 132 times in 17 documents. COGIC and other black majority churches refer totheir leader as Pastor and the URC as Minister. The terms have similar connotations in thechurch and in the wider society. In the words of one minister ―I decided to become aminister formally because I was refused entry to a hospital ward to see someone I wasworking closely and praying with. I was told that only approved ministers are allowed tovisit‖.The above extract indicates that the approved minister is accepted by virtue of his status orpower and authority in the church and by virtue of his status in the community and thewider society. The minister is accepted as part of the healthcare team as there is anunderstanding that qualified church ministers have a certain level of professionalism, trust,knowledge and the competence to respect other professionals who are caring for thepatient. It is also accepted that the minister can bring some level of comfort and byextension, healing to the patient.For the purpose of this chapter the terms pastor and minister are interchangeable in thatthey both refer to the locally-situated person responsible for the decision making processesin the local church. He or she is the person to whom the congregation looks for guidanceon spiritual matters as well as for church governance. This individual also has a prominentposition in the community and in places where the sick reside such as hospitals and carehomes. The above extract makes clear that other than relatives, healing or pastoralinstitutions such as hospitals and hospices will only recognize approved ministers ofreligion as part of the „professional healing team‟. The wider society also accepts ministersof religion as professionals since they have undertaken a course of study or apprenticeship153