Why we shouldn’t assume

“Do not assume” is a rule that can serve us well in pastoral care. It is an exhortation not to jump to conclusions. That we should not let prior assumptions determine the view we take of the person or situation before us.

There is, of course, a counter balance. Gaining experience in pastoral ministry is valuable. The more people we have met who struggle with anxiety or addictions, or anything else really, the better we will understand those struggles and the wiser we will be in giving support.

The practicalities of not assuming

Yet, “do not assume” has value both for practical and theological reasons. At a practical level, it helps ensure we understand the language people use. One person who has “been a bit down recently” means they’re not their irrepressibly cheerful normal self. Another can be describing a dark mood with thoughts of self-harm. We won’t know which it is unless we ask some more questions.