Definition:  In general a case study is a tool for social science research. A case study is an in-depth examination of an event or series of events.  Case studies are used in many areas of pastoral work, but are most frequently used in Clinical Pastoral Education.  Case studies help students understand better how and why events transpired as they did, and what might be important to consider in addressing similar situations in the future.  Case studies not only help us make judgments in general about what might be useful and helpful (or not) in particular situations; they also teach us much about ourselves, whether we be the case study presenter or the critic.

Here are the basic steps to writing and presenting a case study:

1.  Briefly describe what happened--the event or series of events that the case is about.

2.  Describe the background of that event or series of events, i.e., what led up to what happened.

3.  Identify the pastoral issues which you think are present in this case.  The issues will emerge from the questions you have for your fellow students who are listening to the case.  What questions about your own congregational leadership does this case raise in your own mind? Case issues emerge from such questions.  The sharper you articulate the issues, the sharper your case study will be, and the more you and your classmates will learn from it.

4.  Describe how you addressed the issues which you identified in step 3, and share whether you are satisfied or not with what you did, and why.

Be concise!  Case studies should be brief.  One page to one and a half pages is a good limit to aim for.

5.  After the case has been presented and critiqued by your classmates, pause, reflect, and share what the case study process taught you about yourself in your role as a lay leader.

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