Description: The needs for and the benefits of holistic health care--care that extends to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of individuals--have been well known for 2,500 years or so. But still, to quote the late Rodney Dangerfield, some caregivers ""don't get no respect."" Fred Reklau is out to change that with this book, offered as an exploration of the synergies possible among those who care for persons. In the 1980s he wrote the theses that formed the core of this book. Since then they have helped many, in groups and singly, to see their work in a new light. Chaplains, pastors, parish nurses, lay caregivers, hospice workers--all will rejoice to read this heartfelt plea to elevate them to equal status with the vital care-giving services performed by physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other members of the medical professions. Endorsements: ""An encouraging resource for caregivers, Partners in Care emphasizes the importance of a spirit, mind, body approach to healthcare in which the whole person is truly cared for through a partnership between medicine and ministry."" --Kenneth C. Haugk Founder and Executive Director Stephen Ministries ""Partners in Care contrasts of cure and care foster meaningful conversations about healthcare decisions with loved ones, trusted care-givers, and one's God. The authors bring to life Victor Frankl's saying; 'No cure that fails to engage the spirit can make us well.' From our casual reflections on wellness, to intense 'life-and-death' debates, Partners in Care will enlighten through its compassionate soul--a timely remedy for those paralyzed by the complexity of healthcare and our national debate."" --Jim Christian, LCPC, BCC Vice President, Mission and Spiritual Care Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital ""Bold. Unflinching. Forthright. Poetic. Reklau and Perry give voice and clarity to what we all know is painfully missing from today's high-tech, assembly-line medical industry. Partners in Care delineates, in a poetic-yet-uncompromising style, the excruciating difference between mere cure of the disease and the true healing of the patient. The authors issue a clarion call to pro-actively include the clergy and other ministers on the health care team. It's win-win."" --Pauline N. Harding, M.D. Integrative Family Practitioner About the Contributor(s): Frederick Reklau served as a Lutheran pastor--the last nine as a trained intentional interim pastor--for over forty years, most of them in Chicago and its suburbs. This is his first book.