Practical, biblical guidance on how to care for those who are facing life’s challenges—for those who have a general interest as well as for those who are more formally involved in offering this kind of care.
In our fallen world, episodes of sickness, suffering, and other trials are all too common. And the Bible’s clear call for us to show Christian love and care means we know we shouldn’t sit idly by while people around us go through these tough times.
Yet our genuine concern for others is often hindered by valid fears—the fear of not knowing what to do or what to say; the fear of putting our foot in it and making things worse; or the fear that involvement may take us beyond our own personal resources.
In Together Through the Storm, Sally Sims helps us overcome these fears by setting out clear biblical foundations and very practical guidance for Christian care that is based in the word of God and in Christian hope.
Sally brings a tremendously useful mix of life experiences to this important book, including training and practice as a nurse, study in pastoral care and chaplaincy, extensive reading and research, years of coordinating and providing pastoral care in her church, and, of course, personally persevering through her own times of trial.
Reading Together Through the Storm will help any Christian to develop in their ability to care for others, but it also provides a useful foundation for training a ‘care team’ in your church.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part I: Suffering and the God who cares
1. God with us
2. The invitation to lament
3. Why suffering?
4. Suffering without losing hope
5. Trusting the God of all comfort
Part II: Biblical foundations for Christian care
6. Sharing in the sufferings and joys of others
7. What makes our care Christian?
8. The body of Christ working together
Part III: Christian care in action
9. Practical guidelines for visiting people
(i) Pray first and prepare before visiting
(ii) Listen well and focus on the person, not the problem
(iii) Assess what help is needed
(iv) Be ready to pray and read the Bible — but ask first
(v) Be reliable and trustworthy
(vi) Determine when help is no longer needed and reflect on the care given
(vii) Be self-aware and look after yourself
10. Hospital visiting
A final reflection
For further reading
| Contributors | Sally Sims |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781925424027 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | December 2016 |
| Dimensions | 150mm x 232mm x 10mm |
| Weight | 0.26 kg |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 144 |
| Publisher | Matthias Media |
I have no hesitation in recommending it to church leaders and Christians who want to care for others. When Sally Sims’ father developed dementia, she cared for him and her mother, and handled challenges within her own family. She states that at the heart of Christian care is the spiritual imperative of helping people to connect with Christ and deepen their relationship with him.... continue reading
