Curse or Cross? How do I, A Lutheran Pastor, Minister to the Cancer Patient?

Abstract

Cancer. It is the elephant in the room no one ever wants to mention. It is considered taboo in today’s culture and often referred to as “the big C” or another nickname. Though it may be difficult, it is the Lutheran pastor’s humble opportunity to minister to the cancer patient. However, as the Lutheran pastor ministers to the cancer patient, he might wonder, “What do I say and how? How is this cancer patient currently reacting emotionally and spiritually to the news of cancer?” Eventually, all of the questions mold into one big question, “How do I, a Lutheran pastor, minister to the cancer patient?”

This thesis hopes to help the Lutheran pastor minister to the cancer patient by looking at the different viewpoints of everyone involved in the cancer diagnosis:

1. The viewpoint of the doctors attending the patient.

2. The viewpoint of the Psycho-Oncologists counseling the patient. 3. The viewpoint of the cancer patient themselves.

4. The viewpoint of Scripture.

This thesis will then take the information from these four viewpoints and give the Lutheran pastor helpful suggestions, based on Romans 8 and supporting passages, in answering the question, “Curse or cross? How do I, a Lutheran pastor, minister to the cancer patient?”