Final answer:
Clebsch and Jaekle define pastoral care as a Christian ministry of helping directed at healing, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling individuals dealing with troubles connected to ultimate meanings. This holistic approach aligns with care ethics, emphasizing empathy, compassion, and the handling of life's complex spiritual and psychological issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clebsch and Jaekle's definition of pastoral care characterizes it as a ministry encompassing various helping acts by Christian representatives. These acts are aimed at aiding individuals who are struggling with issues that arise within the context of ultimate meanings and existential concerns. This definition outlines pastoral care as a multifaceted service addressing four primary areas: healing, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling. Within this perspective, pastoral care is not just about spiritual guidance but is also deeply concerned with the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals as they navigate life's complexities, especially in relation to their spirituality.
By invoking ultimate meaning and concerns, the definition connects pastoral care to the broader questions of life that affect a person's faith and worldview. This scope of care is in line with the principles of care ethics, which underscore the importance of compassion and empathy in moral reasoning and interactions, such as those between clergy and their community members. Hence, pastoral care is seen as a bridge between personal troubles and spiritual health, accounting for the subjective and tangible experiences of individuals.