Abstract
Tom Pugh's legacy is his development of the personhood model as the center of emphasis for African-American pastoral care and counseling paradigm. This model emphasizes ‘‘being” rather than “doing” on the part of the care giver. The caring process is multi-dimensional, i.e., the care giver not only gives but receives. Reciprocity is the essence of the caring relationship. Therefore, Tom’s admonition for the care giver is to come to grips with past experiences and feelings in conjunction with the caring encounter.