Unit 9.2 — Pastoral case study
Write 500–700 words responding to the following original fictional case. This is a portfolio item. Use Units 9.1–9.2 and the supplied CPDV readings; no external research is required.
Fictional case: when help becomes a private arrangement
You have been visiting an adult who is adjusting to a bereavement. They now send several messages late each evening and say that you are the only person who understands. They ask you not to mention the arrangement to anyone because other helpers would interfere. You have replied immediately for two weeks, are losing sleep and feel guilty when you consider waiting until morning. You also feel pleased that they trust you so completely.
During your next visit, they ask you for a personal loan for a household bill and say they will repay it privately. They offer an expensive keepsake as a thank-you for your support. You have not agreed to either request. They have not described an immediate danger. You have access to an authorised pastoral supervisor and an established community support process, but have not yet consulted either about your availability or financial requests.
Explain how you will listen and acknowledge the loss without taking control. Identify at least two specific limits at risk, using evidence from the case. State what you should and should not promise or arrange. Propose a proportionate next step that restores accountability while preserving care. Explain how you would communicate a sustainable contact pattern and offer wider support. Distinguish the facts given from assumptions; do not diagnose the person or invent an emergency or local legal rule. Use one supplied Scripture passage thoughtfully, without treating a verse as a shortcut around pastoral judgement.
Review the unit and its complete required readings.
Submit one PDF or DOCX, up to 32 MB, to this activity. Submit the case study and Code separately. Exclude the title, word-count line and brief references from the word count; quotations within your response count. Use fictional or non-identifying examples. For an accessible equivalent format, contact the Course Director at director@ministry.institute before submission.
How your work will be assessed
| Criterion | Weight | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pastoral presence before advice or control | 30% | Attentive response to the stated situation that respects agency and avoids unsupported promises. |
| Recognition of relevant limits | 30% | At least two accurately identified limits with reasons grounded in the case. |
| Accountable and proportionate next step | 25% | A workable plan for consultation, boundaries and continuing care. |
| Clear, respectful, non-identifying writing | 15% | Coherent reasoning, accurate use of Scripture and a distinction between fact and assumption. |
Strong work explains and applies the teaching accurately, with well-supported decisions. Sound work meets the criterion with minor gaps. Developing work needs clearer reasoning or application. Insufficient work has substantial omissions or misunderstanding. Your tutor will provide feedback and identify any revision required. Only the supplied teaching and required Scripture are assessed.