Alternative Title

The Church as a Bastion of Pastoral Care

Subject Area

Theology/Religious Education, Religion, Psychology, General/Other, Sociology, Social Work, Sustainability and Development

Abstract

Abstract

Michael R. Timberlake, Sr.

May 1, 2026

THE CHURCH AS PROVIDER OF PASTORAL CARE: RELATIONAL PRESENCE, NARRATIVE LISTENING, PREACHING, AND ADVOCACY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCHES IN SOUTHSIDE FORT WORTH, TEXAS

The purpose of this research project is to restore and maintain the resiliency in the African American Missionary Baptist churches in the Southside of Fort Worth, Texas. The research identified a high level of importance for African American churches in Fort Worth to resemble the historic legacy of spiritual leadership, communal care, and social advocacy while ministering within contexts marked by racial and economic marginalization. Enabling practical ministry in marginalized communities is imperative. This study offers a comprehensive framework for pastors and churches seeking to embody holistic care, foster community engagement, and extend influence beyond their local congregations.

A focused study of these practices is essential because limited research exists on how urban African American congregations intentionally enact pastoral care and shape communities’ well-being. Understanding these practices offers both scholarly and practical value through critical theological reflection on lived ministry practices.

Degree Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

D.Min.

Advisor

Dr. Harold Recinos

Second Advisor

Dr. Theodore Walker

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements First and foremost, I give thanks to God for guidance, wisdom, and strength throughout this project. Without His presence and sustaining grace, this work would not have been possible. I am deeply grateful to my dissertation advisor, Dr. Harold Recinos, for his patient guidance, theological insight, and encouragement throughout this study. I also thank Dr. Thedore Walker for his invaluable feedback, critical questions, and support as members of my dissertation committee. Their expertise and dedication strengthened both the rigor and the clarity of this project. I extend heartfelt gratitude to the six African American Missionary Baptist congregations in Southside Fort Worth that participated in this study. Their willingness to share stories, engage in Operation Outreach, and reflect on their ministries provided the foundation for this research. I am especially thankful to the pastors, church staff, and congregational members who welcomed me into their communities, offered their time and insights, and entrusted me with their histories and experiences. I also thank the professionals who partnered in the transformative workshops and ministry training. Rabbi Michael T. Cohen’s instruction in transformative thinking was invaluable, and I am grateful to the social workers and psychologists who are scheduled to provide ongoing support in these congregations. I am thankful to the ministers from Tennessee, Mississippi, Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina who participated in these workshops, contributing their perspectives and experiences to the wider ministry conversation. Finally, I am deeply grateful to my family. To my spouse, children, and extended family, your patience, encouragement, and prayers sustained me through the challenges and long hours of this journey. Your unwavering support allowed me to focus on this work and remain committed to both ministry and scholarship. To all who contributed to this project, your wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness made this work possible. I am sincerely thankful for your partnership in this endeavor and for the ways in which you have strengthened both my ministry and my understanding of pastoral care.

Number of Pages

140

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

Additional Files
TIMBERLAKE_ETD_FORM 6.6.2026.pdf (829 kB)
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