chaplain / pastoral counselor
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chaplain / pastoral counselor
A person, usually a member of the clergy such as a pastor or priest, who advises and supports people in personal or spiritual crises.
Nach dem schweren Verlust fand sie Trost im Gespräch mit einem Seelsorger.
After the severe loss, she found comfort in talking with a chaplain.
The word is made up of 'Seele' (soul) and 'sorgen' (to care/worry). A 'Seelsorger' (chaplain/pastoral counselor) is therefore literally someone who cares for and looks after a person's soul.
Der Seelsorger hörte sich geduldig alle Sorgen an.
The chaplain patiently listened to all the worries.
The term is usually used in a religious or institutional context. 'Seelsorger' (chaplains/pastoral counselors) often work for churches, but also in hospitals, the military, or prisons to provide support to people.
Im Krankenhaus gibt es einen Seelsorger, der Patienten und Angehörige betreut.
There is a chaplain in the hospital who supports patients and relatives.
Typical verbs used with 'Seelsorger' (chaplain/pastoral counselor) are 'ein Gespräch suchen' (to seek a conversation), 'sich an jemanden wenden' (to turn to someone), or 'Trost finden' (to find comfort). The activity itself is often described with 'als Seelsorger arbeiten' (to work as a chaplain/pastoral counselor).
In ihrer Trauer wandte sie sich an die Seelsorgerin ihrer Gemeinde.
In her grief, she turned to the pastoral counselor of her congregation.
pastor
Pastor refers to a specific church office in a Protestant congregation. Seelsorger, by contrast, describes the role of advising and supporting people in personal or spiritual crises. A pastor can therefore also be a Seelsorger; the choice depends on whether the focus is on the office or on the support provided.
Als Seelsorger begleitet Herr Weber ein Gemeindemitglied durch eine schwere Krise.
As a pastoral counselor, Mr. Weber supports a member of the congregation through a serious crisis.
Als Pastor leitet Herr Weber die evangelische Gemeinde.
As a pastor, Mr. Weber leads the Protestant congregation.
