Baptist offers specialist course
JACKSON — Jerry Gaggini, a Catholic lay minister and full-time staff chaplain at Mississippi Baptist Hospital, will facilitate a pastoral care specialist course on Tuesdays, Jan. 20-April 7, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The course, sponsored by Baptist Health Systems, is designed for pastoral ministers in a parish setting to provide the basic information and listening/counseling skills needed in church ministry.
The course will help lay ministers learn about grief and loss, marriage and family dynamics, life cycle theory, group dynamics, self-awareness, and self-care.
Gaggini said the course will not qualify participants for the fee-based, clinical practice of pastoral counseling or for employment as a healthcare chaplain. “Attendees will learn how to provide a ministry of presence for people who are suffering from grief or loss,” he said.
“This course includes basic foundational psychology and will be presented in a practical not an academic manner,” Gaggini said.
Guest speakers will supplement Gaggini for certain sessions. Dr. Barry Click of the Samaritan Counseling Center will serve as one of the presenters.
Gaggini said classes will be small in size and geared toward the adult learner.
Since 2001 Gaggini has also been an adjunct professor of law and ethics at Belhaven College. He earned his undergraduate degree from Belhaven College, a jurisdoctorate from Mississippi College School of Law and a master’s in theological studies from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala.
The fee is $200. Those actively involved in ministry but unable to pay the entire fee are asked to contact Baptist Health Systems.
For information contact Gaggini, 601-212-3696 or 601-968-1548; jgaggini@mbhs.org.
