"So, What are You Doing Here?" The Role of the Minister of the Gospel in Hospital Visitation or a Theological Cure for the Crisis in Evangelical Pastoral Care

The paper critically examines the challenges in pastoral visitation and care stemming from an excessive reliance on psychotherapeutic methods, overshadowing traditional sacramental and theological practices. It argues that adopting "false faces" in pastoral interactions undermines genuine spiritual support for patients and adversely affects clergy's credibility among healthcare professionals. The work, revised from a presentation at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, highlights the need for a balanced approach in pastoral care that honors both psychological and spiritual dimensions.