JAMES A BYNUM
DECEMBER 29, 2015
LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE COURSE PACO 604
ARTICLE REVIEW
PRACTICING DISCERNMENT: PASTORAL CARE IN CRISIS SITUATIONS
SOCTT D. LANDES, M. DIV., BCC
PROFESSOR MARK HOLLAND
Summary 1.
Scott D. Landes, author of Practicing Discernment: Pastoral Care in Crisis Situations, gives
instruction through experience, in how to assist in a crisis situation. This article provides the
story or Ruth and James who have been married for many years. James is currently on a
ventilator and his health is declining at a rapid pace. Doctors have informed Ruth that James’
chances of surviving this latest medical crisis are slim. The article describes the various medical
issues that James is facing and also informs the reader of the various options available to Ruth as
the caretaker and wife. James has not made a living will and the medical staff has informed Ruth
that being next of kin, she is responsible for the medical decisions. “I want to do everything I
can. I need to do everything I can. But I don’t want James to suffer anymore”. (Landes, 2015)
These three expressions from Ruth are part of the basis for Landes’ description of listening to the
narratives of which there are three for the purpose of this article. Landes stresses the importance
of the caregiver being engrossed in the narrative in order to connect with the caregiver on an
emotional level in order to be able to get a view of the emotional landscape. In this case, Ruth
expressed three narratives.
“Narrative wreckage” is a term used in this article to describe “unresolved narrative
conflicts” (Landes, 2015) which often appear during times of crisis. Landes discusses the
importance of assessing the narrative of the care seeker. It is vital in being able to discern and
respond to issues connected with situational crisis. As Ruth began to verbalize her narrative, it
was evident that there was a huge fear of being blamed by step children if James dies. The
chaplain in the article understood the narrative and began the process of discerning what was
needed. The article inform the reader of Doehring’s theories of practicing discernment in an
effort to understand the inner person. Listening is over emphasized as it is needed to find the
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meaning of the story being told. An additional resource to the article is James Gustafson. He
stresses that when practicing discernment using the narrative process, it is vital that the care
seeker understands the reasoning behind decisions being made. Suggestions made by Sondra
Wheeler, author of Bioethics and Pastoral Care, help the care seeker to clarify the situation when
medical decisions are being made.
Landes also counsels on being a mediator between the medical team and the care seeker.
This process was invaluable to Ruth. Her concerns are addressed in the form of a meeting
between the medical staff and James’ step children. This is segment of the article is called
Practicing Discernment with Ruth. These steps enabled Ruth to feel sure that she has done all
that she could do and required all that could be done for James and that his loved ones knew this
through confirmation from the medical staff. Unfortunately, the inevitable happened and James
did pass away. The practice of discernment was an effective tool used to assist Ruth through this
form of crisis.
Interaction
After reading this article, I was able to understand the importance of having an effective
plan for a crisis situation. One should never enter any counseling situation unable to know that
there are tools available to help the person through a time of chaos and crisis. The term
Practicing Discernment is, in my opinion, is a spiritual practice. Being able to discern right from
wrong is an act of wisdom. Being able to discern what approaches are needed during a crisis is
also one based on wisdom. Allowing Ruth to express herself allowed the chaplain to be able to
discern which tool was needed. Because of training, the decision was made to use an approach
that included listening to the care seeker’s most intimate thoughts and fears about the situation in
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order for the chaplain to make good decisions regarding what resources were needed. Had it not
been for the use of listening to the narratives, the chaplain may not have ever known the fears
that Ruth had regarding her lack of control that she felt she was due. Calling together all
interested parties in an effort to help Ruth feel comfortable about her. Being able to gain more
confidence through dialog with medical personnel and her chaplain, Ruth was able to feel more
empowered in dealing with decisions for James. Not feeling that she was a victim enabled her to
concentrate on what was right for James. This process also assisted the step children to
understand that Ruth had done all that was medically and morally possible for their father. One
segment that I really connected with came towards the end of the article. Ruth, even threw
devastating lost, was able to grieve with the knowledge that she was strong and confident to the
end and she knew that nothing she could have done could have changed the outcome.
Application
Within the context of a crisis situation, this practice of discernment could be used in most
incidence but especially within the context of an impending death of a loved one because of
sickness. As demonstrated in the story of Ruth and James, the chaplain understood by listening to
Ruth how her emotional ties were to James. She expressed to the chaplain her fears of being
blamed by other family members. It is important that all involved, in addition to the direct care
seeker, be able to cycle through crisis effectively. Meeting with the medical staff and have them
explain to Ruth and James’ children of the facts about his medical condition, allowed for all who
loved him to be involved in the knowledge of his condition. This tool can also be used in dealing
with a care seeker who is caring for a loved one. There are those who need care because they are
unable to care for themselves. When the counselor is requested, it would do well for the
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counselor to have communication and have sessions in which all involved can express their
thoughts and fears. This would allow the counselor to strategize a plan of action that all involved
would be in agreement with. As stated in the article, this is not a full proof method. There are
times in which outside sources can create conflict within the narrative process. This too will need
discernment in how to manage an antagonistic situation. Marriages in turmoil can also benefit
from the use of a narrative procedure. When couples are in crisis, one of the most effective tools
that can bring clarity to the situation is talking and more importantly listening. Having a spirit of
discernment, an affective counselor can view the situation from a different point of view. As one
who is a facilitator of getting through crisis, being able to have the whole story from all sides,
allows one who is not involved to guide all parties through the difficult times, with a sense that
they were heard and their voices were validated.
Works Cited
Landes, D. Scott. (2010). Practicing Discernment: Pastoral Care in Crisis Situations.
Gainesville, Fl
