Psychology and the Pastoral Ministry: Help Or Hindrance?

Abstract

Since the time of Augustine, the relationship between psychology and the church has been tenuous at best. Among those most affected in this struggle are pastors who provide psychological services. Pastors interested in and committed to addressing psychological issues must carefully balance the extreme positions of psychologism and theologism, while adopting useful and effective intervention strategies. It is suggested that clinical methods aimed at the prevention of psychological disturbances, rather than their correction, are most appropriate for use by pastors.