Pastoral Care for End-of-Life Ministry

Ministry leaders often find themselves walking alongside individuals and families in some of the most challenging seasons of life. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing spiritual guidance, or simply being present, pastoral care—especially in the context of end-of-life situations—requires deep empathy and a range of skills that can be emotionally taxing. While caring for others is profoundly rewarding, it can also be draining and complex.

In this post, we want to highlight a few valuable resources that can support ministry leaders as they navigate end-of-life care, particularly when it comes to helping people maintain their dignity and sense of meaning during this season.

Dignity Therapy: Final Words for Final Days by Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov

Dr. Chochinov’s book is highly regarded for its compassionate approach to preserving dignity at the end of life. It offers a structured therapeutic intervention designed to help patients facing death reflect on their lives and share their personal experiences in a way that promotes meaning and closure. This book is especially recommended for ministry leaders considering Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and those looking to deepen their understanding of patient-centered care.

Learn more: Dignity Therapy on Amazon
Visit Dr. Chochinov's website: Dignity in Care

Early Exits: Spirituality, Mortality and Meaning in an Age of MAiD by Rev. David Maginley

Rev. David Maginley, a cancer survivor and spiritual care practitioner, explores how faith and spirituality intersect with medical assistance in dying (MAiD). His perspective is both deeply personal and theologically reflective, making it a unique resource for those ministering in regions where MAiD is legal. Although his newest book is not yet released, his first book, Beyond Surviving: Cancer and Your Spiritual Journey, provides a powerful exploration of spiritual growth through suffering and resilience.

Find more about Rev. Maginley and his work: David Maginley's Website
Explore his YouTube channel for insights on spirituality and care: David Maginley Ideas

With the End in Mind by Dr. Kathryn Mannix

Dr. Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care physician, brings her extensive experience to bear in this thought-provoking book. Through stories of her patients, she emphasizes the importance of honest conversations about death and encourages readers to see it as a natural part of life. Her work challenges the common fear and avoidance associated with dying and instead advocates for open dialogue, which can be a crucial tool for ministry leaders helping congregants prepare for this stage of life.

Learn more: With the End in Mind

A Still Small Voice Documentary by Director Luke Lorentzen

This compelling documentary follows Mati, a chaplain completing a year-long hospital residency, as she learns to provide spiritual care in the face of profound life changes. The film beautifully captures the journey of learning to connect with patients and grapples with themes of burnout and personal spirituality. This documentary is a moving visual resource for understanding the role of chaplains and the emotional complexities of providing pastoral care.

Watch the trailer: YouTube Trailer
Stream on Mubi: A Still Small Voice on Mubi

Find More Resources on Pastoral Care in Our Resource Hub

If you are looking for additional tools and resources to support your pastoral care ministry, visit our Pastoral Care Resource Hub. Our Resource Hub features articles, videos, and training opportunities to equip ministry leaders for the various aspects ministry.

Nurturing Your Own Well-being

As you engage deeply in caring for others, it’s essential to also take time for your own self-care. Ministry work, particularly in the context of end-of-life situations, can be emotionally and spiritually draining. Lean on your community, seek support from colleagues, and consider exploring new resources that feed your own growth and healing.

We invite you to share your own recommendations for pastoral care resources in the comments. Your experiences and insights could be helpful to other ministry leaders facing similar challenges.