Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

187pastoral models and behaviours. The issues and questions that will form the basisof this will, in the light of the pastoral theological perspective of this pastoralpractitioner, be liberatory in nature. The issues and questions will be based onand adapted from the reflective theological questions of theological educatorJohn Paver. 512 See table below.The pastoral theological elements that contribute to an effective narrativeanalysis enable the pastoral practitioner to develop an understanding from apastoral, faith-based perspective. This will enable pastoral responses to be madeto people and context that are theologically liberatory in nature. This is based onthe theological presupposition that God is expressed in incarnate form and seeksrelationship with human beings. 513 This is commensurate with the core Christianconceptualisation of the love of God for humankind expressed through thesacrificial love of the incarnate Christ.The pastoral theological questions are analysed with consideration for thesocial analysis so as to locate the pastoral reflection in its lived context.Table 5.1. Pastoral Theological Questions Contributing to NarrativeDiscernment and AnalysisFoundational questions In what sense is life present in this situation? How might the incarnate God be understood to be present in this situation? In what sense is oppression present in this situation? What biblically-based models of liberation bear application to the narrative?How? What are the biblical principles present in the pastoral carer’s faith traditionand pastoral assumptions that assist understanding of this situation? Whateffect do they have on understanding?Subsequent questions What can the pastoral carer do to bring theological forms of liberation to thedescribed situation? What model of pastoral ministry can the pastoral visitor offer that bestresponds to the pastoral needs expressed in this situation? What pastoral actions will facilitate positive change based upon thetheological conceptualisation of liberation?Secondly, from a sociological perspective, questions will be derived andadapted from the work of qualitative researchers Sharan Merriam 514andPaver, John. Theological Reflection and Education for Ministry. Edited by Leslie Francisand Jeff Astley, Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology. (Aldershot:Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2006), 61.513 ibid.514 Merriam, Qualitative Research, 97-98.