earticle

영어

The purpose of this article is to introduce the academic discipline called "congregational studies" and to discuss its possible contributions as well as limitations to pastoral care within a congregation. To do this, the essay first briefly introduces the history and research trend of congregational studies, and then discusses its relevance to pastoral care. By engaging in this discussion, this article examines congregational studies possible contributions, both in general and to Korean churches, and limitations to pastoral care within a congregation. Congregational studies that mainly investigates single or multiple local congregations using qualitative and ethnographical descriptions helps understand and broadened local church’s caring ministry. Particularly, congregational studies uncovers the implicit ways a caring ministry happens within the congregation. Despite its positive contributions, however, congregational studies has limitations; it provides how to understand congregations does not provide how to change people. The article, thus, concludes that congregational studies in relation to pastoral care in congregation needs to provide strict assessment which provide concrete suggestions to specific caring ministry in congregation.