SCT® Centering into a Ministry of Presence: A Unifying Scientific Path from Brain and Mind to Heart and Soul

Abstract

The Theory of Living Human Systems (TLHS) aims to explain individual and interpersonal experience and behavior. Systems-Centered Training® (SCT) translates TLHS into methods for practice. TLHS and SCT have been informed and enhanced by emerging neuroscience. They hypothesize two sources of psychological knowledge, comprehensive and apprehensive, which roughly translate neuropsychologically to cognition and emotion. This psychological model posits that when we have both our comprehensive and apprehensive knowledge attuned to reality, we have emotional intelligence, common sense, existential awareness/knowledge, attunement to and empathy with others. The authors propose that this TLHS/SCT scientific understanding illuminates the psychological and interpersonal processes inherent in the personal experience and practice of acting with pastoral presence, that is, as an empathizing chaplain. This paper briefly reviews spiritual literature relevant to “presence,”introduces TLHS and SCT especially in relation to the SCT's centering technique and provides preliminary links to interpersonal neurobiology to deepen the understanding and practice of pastoral presence. Reflections from SCT-experienced chaplains using centering to generate pastoral presence in their practice with themselves and others are included.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard M. O'Neill

Richard M. O'Neill PhD is associate professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.

William B. Reynolds

The Reverend William B. Reynolds MDiv is associate director, chaplaincy services at the University of Rochester (NY) Medical Center where he also serves as ACPE supervisor.

Terry Ruth Culbertson

The Reverend Terry Ruth Culbertson, MDiv BCC is manager, department of spiritual care at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. An ACPE supervisor, she is endorsed by the Church of God (Anderson, IN).