Individueel pastoraat bij Calvijn

Samenvatting

Writings on John Calvin as a pastor often underestimate the aspect of individual pastoral
care. The author questions if and how individual pastoral care as found in Calvin’s
writings can be defined as a distinct field of practice. For that purpose he investigates
Calvin’s views on the ministry of the pastor and on the personal confession of guilt. He
ascertains that Calvin’s notion of pastoral care forms a complex unity. A practical-theological
perspective distinguishes several functions and forms. Applying personal conversation
in individual pastoral care is an important aspect of the ministry of the pastor,
as illustrated with examples from Calvin’s pastoral practice.