Ministry with the Elderly: Training Needs of Clergy

Ellor, James W.; DMin,; Dcsw,; Coates, Robert B.

doi:10.1300/j078v12n02_04

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…16–20 Only half of clergy report some form of mental health training. 17 We investigated how sensitive clergy are at identifying mental health conditions and how frequently they make appropriate referrals. To do this, we designed seven virtual mental health cases and asked clergy to rate on a five-point Likert scale how likely they believe the case is a mental health disorder and how likely they would refer to a medical professional.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Clergy as a frontline mental health service: a UK survey of medical practitioners and clergy

Heseltine-Carp

Hoskins

2020

Gen Psych

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BackgroundChristian clergy have often been identified as ‘frontline mental health workers’ and gatekeepers to mental health services. However, despite this, collaboration between clergy and mental health services remains poor, with some US clergy referring on as little as 10% of cases.AimsIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the collaborative relationship between UK clergy and medical practitioners, with the purpose of identifying key issues that should be addressed to improve such collaboration between the two services.MethodsWe surveyed 124 clergy, 48 general practitioners and 13 psychiatrists in Wales. Part 1 of the survey covered four main themes: demographics; types of mental health cases seen by clergy and practitioners; referral rates between clergy and mental health services; attitude and relationship between clergy and mental health services. Part 2 was directed at clergy only and assessed how sensitive clergy were in identifying and referring on mental health disorders by using seven virtual case vignettes.ResultsClergy frequently encountered mental health cases and around 60%–80% regularly referred on to a healthcare professional. Clergy appeared very effective at identifying and referring on high risk scenarios, such as psychosis, suicidal ideation and substance misuse, however were less effective at identifying and referring on clinical depression and anxiety. Clergy rarely received referrals from medical professionals. Both medical professionals and clergy felt they needed to engage in a more collaborative relationship, and around of one-third of practitioners were prepared to offer training to clergy.ConclusionMost clergy in Wales regularly encounter mental health cases and appear effective at recognising and referring on mental health disorders; however, a large minority do not (20%–40%). Clergy generally do not receive referrals from mental health professionals, despite the proven benefits. Therefore, improving collaboration, developing spiritual training for mental health professionals, and mental health training for clergy is likely useful, a notion that many clergy and medical professionals deem important and are prepared to support.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Clergy have often self-reported that they feel unprepared and undertrained to address mental health issues. [16][17][18][19][20] Only half of clergy report some form of mental health training. 17 We investigated how sensitive clergy are at identifying mental health conditions and how frequently they make appropriate referrals.…”

Section: Virtual Casesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clergy as a frontline mental health service: a UK survey of medical practitioners and clergy

Heseltine-Carp

Hoskins

2020

Gen Psych

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“…First, macro implications include the importance of developing teaching and learning assignments that include both experiential learning, the development and expression of empathy, and the content important to effective ministry. Ellor and Coates (2001) identified the importance of clergy skill development in empathy, visitation, and one-to-one counseling. The authors recommended that seminaries and training programs add coursework that includes skill development for clergy to work with older adults.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These caregivers are spouses, children, and grandchildren, adults of all ages, providing billions of hours of care each year to loved ones with major neuro-cognitive disorders. Ellor and Coates (2001) identified training needs for those who minister to older adults and their families including the skill of empathy, i.e. being able to feel with the older adult with dementia and with their caregivers.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning to Give Voice in Ministry to Persons With Dementia: Student Monologues

Harris

Scheibner

2014

Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging

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As the population of older adults increases, the need for clergy and other professionals to work with older adults increases as well.Students are often unfamiliar with the challenges faced by persons with dementia and can benefit from opportunities to hear narratives that give voice to the dementia experience. Monologues are an effective learning methodology to engage students and ministers to prepare to work with older adults with dementia, sensitizing them to the struggles of this challenging illness. This article includes rationale and a brief examination of practice literature related to learning applications using monologue and guidelines for classroom application in preparing students, ministers, and others for work with older adults with dementia.As the number of older adults increases, opportunity for professional and paraprofessional work in gerontological settings increases as well. Students in professions including pastoral care, nursing, social work, and other helping fields will benefit from increased awareness of the experience of persons with dementia as they prepare to work with this population. This article proposes one life stage learning method for deepening the empathetic responses of students in ministry and the helping professions to persons with dementia and for motivating and strengthening the resolve of students who are interested in work with this population.

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