For whenever I am weak, I am strong….

A large scale empirical study concerning spiritual pain at the end of life was set up by a multi-disciplinary group of palliative care specialists in Flanders, Belgium. All Flemish speaking palliative care health workers were sent a questionnaire concerning spiritual/religious needs, care and growth. This paper focuses on issues relating to spiritual needs and growth of the caregivers. Although respondents considered the ability to identify personal spiritual needs as an important criterion for offering good spiritual care, in-depth analysis suggests a considerable gap between theoretical insight and daily practice. Findings advocate greater awareness and assertiveness among caregivers regarding their own spiritual experiences. A structural implementation of supervision to address the hidden spiritual agenda of the palliative team may need to pre-empt systems that teach how to respond more adequately to patients' spiritual needs.