Synergistic Collaborations Pastoral Care and Church Social Work

Synergistic Collaborations is a valuable resource for Christian ministers and social workers seeking to extend outreach ministries and new ways to collaborate with community organizations as they serve hurting people. This unique book combines case studies, theological reflections, reality dialogue questions, personal experiences, and research that broaden readers' understanding of the synergistic relationship that naturally exists between pastoral care ministry and social work practices. The authors challenge contemporary perceptions concerning how churches might help people affected by issues related to mental illness, poverty, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, homelessness, and domestic violence. With the aim of ameliorating existing church ministries, this book offers opportunities to build the knowledge base and skills of readers as they explore Christian ministries in relation to the many personal and social problems people face in our rapidly changing culture and society.

Velmarie L. Albertini is associate professor of social work at Southeastern University in Central Florida. She has served for over fifteen years in state and private universities in administrative roles as Social Work Graduate Program Coordinator and chair of an undergraduate Christian Social Ministry Degree Program. Her areas of research and ministry include the acculturation and adjustment of Caribbean immigrants and church social work. Jonathan Grenz is associate professor in the School of Ministry's Christian Leadership Studies Department at Palm Beach Atlantic University in South Florida. Prior to entering the academy, he ministered for over fifteen years as a pastor in the U.S. and Canada.