Subject Area
Religion
Abstract
This study engages a historical survey of qualitative studies of perspectives of Black pastors regarding pastoral care, examining various avenues for training in pastoral listening and the role of ministers as theological clinicians in supporting church ministries and community needs. The findings highlight the ongoing need for professional development among pastors as primary educators and theological clinicians. The study underscores the importance of equipping Black Baptist pastors to address the clinical pastoral needs of African American congregants. The significance to this field of study is providing Black Baptist clergy with practical skills and tools, grounded in theological principles, to better support their congregants. The Theological Role Play method surfaces as a practical demonstration of these principles in real-life situations, reinforcing their application and enhancing the congregational care ministry of the Black church. The study promotes pastoral listening as a learned discipline that can be developed through mentoring, seminary education, clinical pastoral education, and other accessible resources. Using four phases of historical research and exploration, the study develops and substantiates the assumptions that equipping pastors with pastoral listening skills supports the growth and development of the Black Baptist church. The research concludes that using pastoral listening skills within a theological framework helps the caregiver provide emotional and spiritual support that enables the congregant to envision a life of meaning, purpose, and worth. The development of these skills ensures that pastors are prepared to lead caring congregations and uphold the tradition of liberation central to Black Baptist and African American faith communities.
Degree Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
D.Min.
Department
Ministry
Advisor
Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner
Second Advisor
Dr. Patricia R. Williams
Number of Pages
90
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Allen, Regina Pair, "Pastoral Listening Skills Training In The Black Baptist Church: Equipping Clergy To Better Support Congregants" (2026). Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses. 59.
https://scholar.smu.edu/theology_ministry_etds/59
Included in
Educational Methods Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Welfare Commons
