Called to Be Lonely? Loneliness of the Pastor/Rabbi

A lecture by Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan for the 2019 Lenten Lecture Series at Knox United Church.

Pastoral caregivers have a unique role in the community. They are called to be a spiritual role model, confidential advisor, and empathetic listener who supports everyone equally. Living into this larger-than-life role can lead to loneliness. But loneliness can become an opportunity for what depth psychologists call “individuation” — a psychological process of opening the ego to spiritual growth. These psychological concepts can help all of us use the challenges of caring for others as opportunities for growth.