Comfort the Grieving: Ministering God's Grace in Times of Loss
Overview
Until the end of time, when the curse of sin is finally removed, suffering will be a large part of the human experience and a large part of that suffering will be walking through the painful reality of death. 'Death,' writes Paul Tautges, 'provides a natural opportunity not only for ministry to others, but also for personal growth in ministers.' Those who shepherd others through the pain and loss that accompanies death should seek to offer wise and biblical counsel on these precious and painful occasions.
This resource is a treasure chest of pastoral theology that will equip you to reach out to those who grieve with the Christ-centered comfort of God rooted in the gospel. The theological foundation espoused here, as well as the numerous practical helps that are included, will help any servant of the Lord to point the hearts and minds of the bereaved to the 'man of sorrows' who is 'acquainted with grief' (Isaiah 53:3).
The Practical Shepherding series of booklets provides pastors and ministry leaders with advice and practical help to do the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. In Comfort Those Who Grieve, experienced pastor Paul Tautges offers readers a guide to comforting those dealing with death through the hope of the gospel.
- Foreword: Brian Croft
- Introduction
- SECTION ONE: PASTORAL THEOLOGY
- Chapter 1: God is Our Refuge – Biblical Foundations
- Chapter 2: The God of Hymnody – Musical Meditations
- Chapter 3: God Delights in the Death of a Believer – Pastoral Tenderness
- Chapter 4: The God of All Comfort – Hope-Dispensing Letters
- Chapter 5: God Brings Life Out of Death – Gospel-Centered Comfort
- Chapter 6: The God of Reconciliation – Christ-Centered Preaching
- SECTION TWO: PRACTICAL APPLICATION
- Chapter 7: The Grace of Salvation – Eternal Considerations
- Chapter 8: Grace for the Death of a Child – Theological Reflections
- Chapter 9: Grace After the Funeral – Bereavement Care
- Chapter 10: Grace at the Bedside – Compassionate Chaplaincy
- Conclusion:
- Appendix 1: A Personal Testimony
- Appendix 2: Scriptures that Comfort
- Appendix 3: Poetry, Songs, and Prayers
- Appendix 4: Sample Memorial Services
- Appendix 5: Further Help
- Endnotes
- Title: Comfort the Grieving: Ministering God’s Grace in Times of Loss
- Authors: Paul Tautges, Brian Croft
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Print Publication Date: 2015
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Church work with the bereaved; Pastoral theology
- ISBNs: 9780310527121, 0310527120
- Resource ID: LLS:9780310519348
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T20:52:21Z
Dr. Paul Tautges serves as senior pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He is the author of many books including Discipling the Flock, Pray About Everything, Counseling One Another, Comfort the Grieving, and Brass Heavens, and serves as the series editor for the LifeLine Mini-books. Paul blogs regularly at CounselingOneAnother.com.