The essentials of pastoral care involve the pastor's distinctive task of caring for those who are estranged--those who, according to the biblical image of the shepherd, are the lost sheep. By virtue of his or her professional calling, the pastor cultivates wise judgment in order to hear the hurting and offer guidance, reconciliation, healing, sustaining presence, and empowerment for those in need. Patton describes four major situations of being lost: grief and death; illness; addictions; and family challenges.
