MINISTERING- COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO...PB

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 is not foreign territory that ministers of grace walk upon. As a result, “Death,” writes Paul Tautges, “provides a natural opportunity not only for ministry to others, but also for personal growth in ministers.” Therefore, church shepherds must not waste these precious and painful occasions that God provides for the demonstration of mercy and the advantage of the gospel. This book is a treasure chest of pastoral theology that will equip ministers 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” (Isa. 53:3). The Author Dr. Paul Tautges has served Immanuel Bible Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin as pastor-teacher since 1992. His preaching and teaching ministry takes him overseas for the equipping of national pastors for the work of church-based ministry. He is also the author of Delight in the WORD: Biblical Counsel for Everyday Issues and is a biblical counselor certified with the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) and the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC). Paul and his wife Karen have nine children. Target Readership - Preachers, ministers - Bible teachers, leaders - Aspiring ministers - Church office-bearers Features and benefits - Practical subject - Contains theological, pastoral and practical elements - Principles that are biblically based and thoroughly explained - Includes case studies giving real-life examples of the principles described Contents A personal testimony Preface Introduction Part 1. Sovereign God of comfort 1. A refuge in the time of storm 2. Musical comfort 3. God’s delight in the death of a believer 4. Comforters-in-training: A pastoral letter to a grieving brother Part 2. Funeral meditations 5. Bringing life out of death 6. Why are we here? 7. The reality of death and eternal life 8. On the death of an infant Part 3. Practical helps for fellow comforters 9. After the funeral 10. Serving as a hospice chaplain Appendix 1. Scriptures that comfort Appendix 2. Poetry, songs, and prayers for comfort Appendix 3. Sample memorial services Appendix 4. Resources for further growth