We can strengthen our ministry when we take the time to surface these perspectives so that we can refine and use them intentionally.
All tagged grief
The Emotional Ambush
Many times, we care for those who are sick and in need of comfort, forgetting the men and women who care for the sick and dying. Let us lift them up in prayer daily.
Spirituality Makes the Stool Stand
While God is the source of our spirituality, let us dig deeper and consider what is spiritual to us and how might it benefit us.
Accepting God’s Will, Relinquishing My Own
I think what this boils down to is this question set: Can I be actually okay with not getting my way? Is it okay if the thing I desperately want just doesn’t happen?
The Complicated Task of Forgiveness
When we offer forgiveness it is not of benefit to that person, but instead we can see the true benefit to ourselves of forgiveness
Worship Anyway
In moments of disorienting devastation, it is not uncommon to direct our hurt and displeasure toward God. God can handle us weeping through our prayers or railing in rage.
Event Spotlight: ElderLink Arkansas
We recently sat down for virtual conversations with our church host (Chris Benjamin) and our breakout session leaders (Mark Hamilton, Grady King, John Knox, Roland Orr, and David Wray).
Event Spotlight: Ministry Amidst Grief and Hope
We recently sat down for virtual conversations with our keynote speaker (Don McLaughlin) and our breakout session leaders (Cheryl Bacon, Eddie Sharp, Dennis Conner, Omar Palafox, and Carson Reed).
Remembering Kent Rideout
Grief is real, but so is hope. And hope in Jesus carries us through the grief all the way home.
Walking While Grieving
My challenge that day was complicated: keep walking uphill while fighting the wind and trying to find the next trail marker amidst the fog.
Joy in Discouragement
When we would rather erase the previous period of time rather than reflect on it, it may be that burnout, fatigue, or just plain discouragement is impeding our ability to feel anticipation or excitement about the future.
Reflecting On “Heart-Shaped Pickles”
As church leaders, parents, and invested adults, I know we all see this need for supporting children through times of grief. I want to share a little perspective and some resources that I pray you find helpful.
Movement Gives the Unmentionable Momentum
Talking about the pain and difficulty of this past year is going to be very important to all ages within our churches. But, how do we guide people to mention their pain?
A Time to Speak, Part 2: Hiddenness
How do we respond to abandonment as ministers and Christian leaders? I don’t like talking about abandonment, and my first instinct is to find excuses.
Three Christian Truths About Death
As spiritual leaders … we are expected to have words that matter as we speak into the lives of those in pain.
Reflection Roundup: Sacramental Hospitality
As the created world hosts humanity, we have much to learn from the soil, from the seeds. Stretching toward the light, cultivated hearts propagate God’s mission.
Reflection Roundup: Taking Time
Gratitude, simplicity, taking time. How difficult it can be to digest our own advice; how often we remain shielded from the perspectives of others. Pause; breathe.
Exiled: Four Principles to Embrace
Jeremiah says to settle in. Adapt, adjust, and find ways to make a meaningful life in a new environment.
A Time to Speak, Part 1: Guilt
Many of the necessary components in addressing guilt are implicit in Christian community. Acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and perspective are all necessary companions for this topic.
An Extra Candle
Special days and seasons tend to have a polarizing effect on our emotions and spiritual lives. Do you feel this every year too?