SYLLABUS – ACU Graduate School of Theology (Jan 6-10, 2014)
BIBM640.J1 PASTORAL CARE FOR THE GRIEVING
3 Credit Hours
Spring 2014
ACU Mission Statement:
The mission of Abilene Christian University is to educate students for Christian service
and leadership throughout the world. This mission is achieved through:
exemplary teaching, offered by a faculty of Christian scholars, that inspires a
commitment to learning;
significant research, grounded in the university's disciplines of study, that informs
issues of importance to the academy, church, and society;
meaningful service to society, the academic disciplines, the university, and the church,
expressed in various ways, by all segments of the Abilene Christian University
community.
Graduate School of Theology Mission Statement:
The GST mission is to equip men and women for effective missional leadership for
ministry in all its forms and to provide strong academic foundations for theological
inquiry.
PROFESSOR: VIRGIL FRY, D.Min.
Office Location: Via GST Office
Phone: 713-524-1055
Email: vmf01a@acu.edu or virgfry@aol.com
Office hours: As requested by student
About the Professor:
Dr. Virgil Fry is an ACU Adjunct Professor (also adjunct for Pepperdine University
and Austin Graduate School of Theology). He serves as Executive Director for
Lifeline Chaplaincy in Houston, a ministry of Churches of Christ at major hospitals
in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Temple, and Ft. Worth. He is author of two books,
contributing writer for two books, writer for 21st Century Christian quarterly, has
edited one edition of Leaven, and teaches extensively on the role of spirituality in
times of serious illness and grief. He serves as a denominational chaplain at the
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He received the B.A. and M.S.
in Ministry & Evangelism (ACU), the Doctor of Ministry degree from Austin
Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and 4 quarters of Clinical Pastoral Education
from Baylor University Medical Center. He is a widower and father of two adult
children and grandfather to three grandchildren.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Major life losses are transformative events. Bereavement is a word based on
the original meaning “to be robbed,” and losing anything precious does generate a
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sensation of feeling robbed. Faith communities desire to be supportive to those in
grief; yet, they often offer inappropriate or inadequate caring interventions.
Ministers and church leaders feel overwhelmed at the task of providing pastoral
support to the bereaved. This course will address the spiritual, emotional, and
psychological realms of grief support, utilizing the narratives from Scripture,
current research, cultural influences, and the personal stories of guest presenters,
helping us learn to sojourn effectively with each other through the harshness of
bereavement.
MAIN TOPICS: This course is designed to disseminate issues involved with
effective grief support by church leaders--including Biblical and theological
grounding, interventional assessment skills, assets of and boundaries within
relationships, enabling a pastoral team approach to provide support, increasing
supportive listening skills, and personal theological reflection regarding mortality
impacting the minister’s perspective of being called by God.
FORMAT OF CLASS SESSSIONS
The course will meet on the ACU campus from 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Didactic and
class experiences will build upon pre-class and daily readings, student presentations,
tour of a funeral home, and resources such as media and music. Additionally, guest
speakers who have encountered loss and grief will be invited to share their stories. A
final project paper on a topic selected by January 10 will be due April 15, 2014.
TEXTS
Fry, Virgil M. Disrupted: Finding God in Illness and Loss. Leafwood, 2007.
Fry, Virgil M. Rekindled: Warmed by Fires of Hope. Leafwood, 2007.
Lewis, C.S. A Grief Observed. HarperOne, 2009.
VanDuivendyk, Tim. The Unwanted Gift of Grief: A Ministry Approach.
Haworth Press, 2006.
Wright, H. Norman. Recovering from Losses in Life. Revell, 2006.
IMPORTANT: these pages must be read before the first day of class
VanDuivendyk (all), Lewis (all), Wright (chapters 1-6)
EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
No topic is more universal than death. It touches and informs every aspect of
our being, and is a force dealt with in a myriad of ways. The Church owes its
existence to the theological underpinnings of death--the ultimate enemy of
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humanity--being relegated to a second rate power because of the resurrection of
Jesus. Still, the manifestations of death continue to create fear, anxiety, shock,
bargaining, and denial in everyone, including people of faith.
Ministers and laity often come face to face with the harsh brutality of death,
being called upon to offer caring support to those in grief. We find ourselves called
into situations that defy easy pat answers. Funerals and memorial services, even for
the Christian faithful, are not roles most ministers relish, but are a basic needed
ritual to help “say our goodbyes.” Difficult issues are raised when we confront such
trying moments as infant or child mortality, suicide, unexpected or accidental death,
or medical ethical dilemmas raised by extraordinary interventions that prolong a
body’s existence. Further, issues such as burial vs. cremation, cultural and religious
expectations, post-death demands for survivors (wills, death certificates, financial
issues and papers, family disarray or discord), and lack of open communication
about grief’s ongoing impact, all lead to the necessity of this type of study.
Not only do ministers reflect the teachings of Scripture and the Church
community, they also are confronted with their own mortality when fulfilling the
role of leader in grief situations. America has been labeled as a culture immersed in
the denial of death. Emphasis on youth, the “can-do” optimistic mentality, and
technologically-based gods make it difficult to affirm one’s own limited lifespan.
While claiming the theological imagery of dying to oneself in order to live eternally,
a minister must also deal honestly with the fear of the unknown and the limits of
data available to us on what the afterlife really is.
Ministers also are influenced by culture, and can find it difficult to face their
own death or the potential loss of their own loved ones. Yet, entering into one’s own
issues with mortality empowers us to minister effectively with others dealing with
raw grief and loss. Ministers can powerfully model transparent discussions about
this culturally taboo topic that is actually the very groundwork of the Christian
faith.
OVERALL SLOs/Outcomes/Competencies
SLOs
GST Program Outcome
3,
MDiv 4, MACM 3
Competencies
Engage various sources
and biblical basis on
community life in times
of grief and bereavement
“
“
Assess and critically
evaluate assigned book
authors
Learn empathetic
listening with those in
grief situations
“
Self-reflect on a personal
Measurements
In-class discussions, case
studies, devotional
presentations, theological
reflections in written
works
Book reviews, in-class
discussions
In-class discussions with
guest presenters,
interactions with peers,
responses to media
presentations
Case studies, in-class
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“
encounter with grief and
loss
Integrate an overall
ministry plan to address
one specific arena of
pastoral care with
grieving persons
discussions with peers
Final project paper
Assignments are weighted as follows:
Class participation
15%
Case study
10%
Devotional presentation
10%
Book review
15%
Final project paper
50%
The instructor may choose to adjust slightly the weight of each assignment in the
course grade.
The grading criteria will be as follows:
A
Fully articulated (with flawless English grammar & rhetoric) integration of
pastoral and theological concepts presented in the course, ability to offer
academic resources, personal ministry project, and theological reflections
B
Articulated integration as above, near flawless grammar & rhetoric
C
Same as B but shows less intentionality on ministry and research components
D
Lacks integration of any concepts or expectations of above stated
components
F
No final project turned in
METHODOLOGY AND REQUIREMENTS
This seminar will investigate the topic through readings, analysis of and
devotionals from biblical narratives, class discussions, case studies, tour, book and
article reviews, consideration of cultural values portrayed in media, guest presenters
who are surviving crisis, and a project/research paper.
Each student will provide three oral/written reports to the class: a case study
involving a pastoral crisis experience, a devotional reflection of a biblical narrative
dealing with crisis, and a review of a book from the selected bibliography.
CASE STUDY: a written personal experience involving a request for pastoral
support or intervention, or a personal encounter with a grieving experience. This
report is to be no more than one or two pages, and is to include the context of the
request for support or how the event was presented to you, the response you chose
to make, and the outcome of the intervention or experience. Also included will be
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theological reflection: biblical foundation that informs the experience, personal
inner turmoil with the request or event, review of strengths and weaknesses with
your response, and lessons gleaned from the encounter. Case studies will be
provided in printed form (or emailed) to all class participants, so confidentiality is
urged in matters of revealing names of individuals or congregations. Case studies
will be due the second day of class.
DEVOTIONAL: An oral reflection based on a selected biblical narrative that
addresses grief, loss, and bereavement. This presentation may utilize any
appropriate communication style, including worship, class participation, homily,
role play, etc. The devotional is to be followed by question and answer time with the
class participants. Devotional time should not exceed fifteen minutes, and fifteen
minutes will be allowed for discussion. Sign-up times will be provided at the first
class meeting.
BOOK REVIEWS: Written and oral presentations of one book from the selected
bibliography. Those wishing to begin reading before class are asked to check with
Dr. Fry via email or phone, providing the name of the book you wish to review.
Both oral and written reviews are to be presented at the same time. Sign-up times
will be provided. The oral presentation including discussion should be about 20-30
minutes in duration.
Form for the book and article reviews are as follows: Maximum length of book
reviews should be three to four typewritten pages single spaced. The written reports
will consist of three parts:
a) Full publication data (author, title, place of publication, company, date, #
of pages, ISBN #).
b) Contents. Devote approximately 2/3 of your report to summarize the
contents of the book. What is the central idea or thesis? Try to include
the most possible information in the least possible words. Write as if you
were communicating to another student in the class.
c) Appraisal. Respond personally, giving your estimate of the reading.
Include strengths, weaknesses, author’s biases, and theological relevancy.
PROJECT/RESEARCH PAPER
Each student will complete a research paper based on a project shaped by
the student’s interest. The project is to be a hands-on experience in a selected crisis
field, and it can take the form of an implemented program and/or a personal survey.
The project proposal will be developed in the second week of the seminar, and input
will be sought from class peers and Dr. Fry.
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A research paper of 15-20 pages will then be completed and postmarked (or
emailed) by April 15, 2014. The paper will be an integration of the project’s
components, academic research, and theological reflections. Personal reflections are
encouraged, but this paper is to be written observing academic criteria (including
footnotes). A minimum of ten resources will be included in the bibliography. This
paper will comprise the majority of your grade.
Papers should be mailed or emailed to me at the following address.
Dr. Virgil Fry
Lifeline Chaplaincy
1415 Southmore Blvd.
Houston, TX 77004
713.524.1055 EMAIL (either) virgfry@aol.com
vmf01a@acu.edu
COURSE POLICIES
Daily attendance is extremely important as there are only five classroom contact
days. The schedule of classes will be assigned on the first day of class. Pre-reading
assignments are to be completed before that first day of class. Nightly readings to
complete the assigned texts will be given each day. Attendance at all classes is
mandatory, excessive tardiness will be noted in final grade, and class participation is
vital to mastering this material.
Project papers may only be given an extension of time if negotiated between student
and Dr. Fry. The extension request will fall under the regulations of the ACU
Graduate School of Religion.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities
from discrimination. If a student requests accommodations under ADA, please
notify the professor one week prior to the course. If needs arise during the course,
please notify the professor as soon as possible. The professor will work with the
College of Biblical Studies to accommodate the student’s needs.
Academic Integrity Policy: Violations of academic integrity and other forms of
cheating, as defined in ACU’s Academic Integrity Policy, involve the intention to
deceive or mislead or misrepresent, and therefore are a form of lying and represent
actions contrary to the behavioral norms that flow from the nature of God.
Violations will be addressed as described in the Policy. While the university enforces
the Policy, the most powerful motive for integrity and truthfulness comes from ones’
desire to imitate God’s nature in our lives. Every member of the faculty, staff, and
student body is responsible for protecting the integrity of learning, scholarship, and
research. The full Policy is available for review at the Provost’s office web site
(http://www.acu.edu/campusoffices/provost) and the following offices: provost,
college deans, dean of campus life, director of student judicial affairs, director of
residential life education and academic departments.
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COURSE CALENDAR
No exams will be given. Assignments, due dates for each date and reading schedule
are stated in the Course Requirements section above. If needed, the professor may
modify the calendar.
AUDIT POLICY
This course is available for audit under the guidelines of GST policies. Expected
level of participation for auditors is a case study, class participation, and an optional
book review.
PATHWAYS PROJECT
The final project paper due April 15 meets the requirements of the Pathway
Projects.
SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR BOOK REVIEWS
Crabb, Larry. Shattered Dreams: God’s Unexpected Pathway to Joy. Waterbrook
Press, 2001.
Doka, Kenneth J. Living With Grief After Sudden Loss. Briston, PA: Taylor &
Francis, 1996.
Harris, Maxine. The Loss That Is Forever: The Lifelong Impact of the Early Death
of a Mother or Father. NY: Dutton, 1995.
Hickman, Martha W. Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Though
Grief. Collins, 1999.
Hicks, John Mark. Yet Will I Trust Him: Understanding God in a Suffering
World. Joplin: College Press, 1999.
Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth. On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief
through the Five Stages of Loss. Scribner, 2005.
Levine, Stephen. Unattended Sorrow: Recovering the Loss and Reviving the Heart.
Rodale, 2005.
Lucado, Max. You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent
Times. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2013.
May, Gerald. The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection
between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. San Francisco: Harper, 2005.
Noel, Brook. Grief Steps: 10 Steps to Regroup, Rebuild and Renew after Any Life
Loss. Champion Press, 2004.
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Nouwin, Henri J.M. Our Greatest Gift: A Meditation on Dying and Caring. San
Francisco: Harper, 1994, and The Wounded Healer (both books must be
reviewed). NY: Image Books, 1972.
Oliver, Samuel Oliver. What the Dying Teach Us: Lessons on Living. NY: The
Haworth Pastoral Press, 1998.
Rando, Theresa A. Grief, Dying and Death: Clinical Interventions for Caregivers,
or How To Go On Living When Someone You Know Dies. Bantam.
Rohr, Richard. Job and the Mystery of Suffering: Spiritual Reflections. Crossroad
Publishing Co, 1996. Or Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves
of Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011.
Ross, Josh. Scarred Faith: This Is a Story about How Honesty, Grief…
Brentwood: Howard Books, 2013.
Savage, John. Listening and Caring Skills in Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.
Stavlund, Mike. A Force of Will: The Reshaping of Faith in a Year of Grief. Ada,
Michigan: Baker Books, 2013.
Stone, Howard W. Theological Context for Pastoral Caregiving. NY: The
Haworth Pastoral Press, 1996.
Woefelt, Alan. Finding the Words: How to talk with children and teens about
death, suicide, funerals, homicide, cremation, and other end-of-life matters, or
Companioning the Bereaved: A Soulful Guide for Caregivers. (Woefelt has
numerous publications on the topic of grief, some addressed to clergy. See
www.livingwithloss.com)
Note: this is an abbreviated listing. If you have another appropriate book you’d
like to review, please contact Dr. Fry in advance of the class meeting date.