Frank

Frank is 58-year-old pastor of a church he has served for 21 years. He is frustrated with the politics and power struggles within the congregation of about 300. His son is estranged from the family, and Frank and his wife would like to have more contact with their grandchildren. He and his wife are taking care of her elderly mother who lives with them. After counseling and evaluation by the center's psychiatrist, Frank began taking anti-depressant medication that has considerably improved his ability to see things with hope and vitality. After some months, he is looking realistically at what he can accomplish and assessing what is truly his responsibility for the dynamics in the congregation. He sees similarities in his efforts to control and "fix" his son. They have started talking again since Frank backed off and is showing support rather than criticism. He is talking to his bishop about what might be the best scenario for his future as a pastor. He and his wife are discussing what might be best for her mother.