"Am I Qualified?"

Ms. Susan Rogers[1] was a devout member of the Tabernacle Church all of her life. She taught Bible Study, led the Women’s Ministry, and was the most gifted baker in the small New England city where she resided for over 80 years. She managed to get by on her deceased husband’s pension, knowing her tithe and support of extended family required a modest lifestyle in the community known for low income, close-knit neighborhoods, and violence related to lack of jobs and limited housing. 

The Pastor(s) of Ms. Rogers Church over the years referred to her as the “Care Ambassador” because beyond being a good teacher, good leader, and an amazing cook, what she was known most for was being a wise and caring companion for anyone during a time of trial. She listened without judgment and had a gift for remembering what she had learned from the experiences of those she knew throughout her long life going back to her childhood in Mississippi. People sought her out. And rarely did she find herself too busy to see someone.

Ms. Rogers had the small skills often missing in professional appointments. She felt the setting where she provided care for people who needed food, and, depending on the time of day, a cup of iced tea. She welcomed small talk about family to ease into the hour, but would not entertain an update on the “The Real Housewives”. Prayer was optional but welcomed… as was any religious membership. And she let everyone know “you’ve got a brain, use it” – “no need waiting for a degree in common sense” - yet she was not one given to pithy advice either.

I appreciate the Susan Rogers of our communities. They offer aspects of care that are often culturally relevant, insightful, and locally accountable. No one is more qualified to care than those like Susan Rogers, and we are confident that the Pastoral Care Specialist program, in addition to the professional credentials ACPE helps facilitate, honors the calling to care.

Dr. Marcus McKinney is an ACPE Psychotherapist and Licensed Professional Counselor at Day Kimball Healthcare in Putnam, CT. He can be reached at  marcusmichaelmckinney@gmail.com.