Pastoral Care of Anxiety Problems
Guest Editorial by Kyle D Johnson
Disciples Minister and a Visiting Professor at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, TX
Debbie tells the chaplain about a problem. She is constantly fearful and fears something terrible is waiting for her in her future. The chaplain inquires about Debbie’s fears. She has fears about her marriage, her family, her work, her home, her church, her community, her bills, her car, her clothes, her friends, and how the chaplain will respond to her.
Debbie nervously glances around as she speaks. The chaplain almost gets lost in Debbie’s list. One item missing from the story is, “Where are Debbie and the chaplain?” The answer almost is irrelevant because persons with anxiety problems can be found everywhere. Admittedly, Debbie is an exaggerated example although some chaplains might think, “Yes, I have known such a person.”