Healing persistent shame through koinōnia and diakonian - a Pastoral study

Abstract

A pastoral model for the healing of persistent shame through koinōnia and diakonia was developed. When the experience of shame occurs consistently over a period of time, shame becomes part of the identity of a person and therefore influences every aspect of the person. Persistent shame affects the person’s relationship with the self, others and God and therefore healing requires the restoration of relationships which takes place in koinōnia and diakonia. The model was developed after an in-depth literature study from the field of psychology and theology as well as a biblical exegesis of Ephesians. Insight into the development of shame and the causes of the development of shame was clarified by the field of psychology. The contribution of koinōnia and diakonia to the healing of persistent shame was determined by the exegesis of Ephesians. The aim of the pastoral model is therefore to assist the pastoral counsellor in counselling the person with persistent shame. The model enables the person with persistent shame to find healing of the original causes of shame and also assist the client with any future experiences of shame.