by Cleotha Robertson

The two Biblical characters who most represent the idea of endurance are Job and Jesus. Who does not sympathize with Job—set upon by the devil, abandoned by his friends and seemingly by God? Jesus, tested by Satan, and constantly attacked by the religious community showed endurance that could have come only from God.

by Insook Lee

Many health care professionals consider religion and spirituality essential components in a holistic approach to health; many religious leaders recognize the benefits of using scientific and psychological perspectives to assess and treat specific symptoms. Here the author suggests ways for pastors to engage in dialog and treatment with health professionals.

by Gail Davis

When pastors sense that they have failed to live up to self-imposed standards they may feel hopelessness. Suicide among clergy is as common as in the general population. This article offers ways to help pastors and congregations ratchet down unrealistic expectations. Pastors are not 24-hour ERs and congregations need to come to grips with that reality.

by Bill Gaventa

As people with disabilities and their families become more visible in our congregations, the power of invitation, hospitality, and inclusion starts with the pastor and extends throughout the congregation. The author gives practical advice on how to do just that, and he includes many tips for pastors and others for making successful, error-free transitions.

by Nancy Fields

This is an honest exploration of some difficulties faced by the author as she embarked on her pastoral career. While expectations from new clergy about their idealized role may be high, old experiences can cause uncertainty. Here are personal tips on how to help clergy use innate belief in God’s healing ways to gaining a strong, redeeming sense of purpose.

by Christine Stopka

The author’s church is located near in the vicinity of the Sandy Hook Elementary School, scene of last year’s school shooting in Connecticut. She intentionally left her church open every day so that anyone seeking solace, to pray, or sit in the quiet could come. Members and non-members were grateful to find a place of peaceful silence.

by Mary Foulke

Sympathy and compassion are related, however, sympathy is more a feeling whereas compassion is both feeling and action. The author uses 2 Samuel, dealing with King David, to flesh out the differences between the two emotions; Jesus was a constant example of a life devoted to compassion for humankind. This intriguing article offers many insights useful to clergy.

by Peggy Adrien

The Gospel according to John starts off powerfully by identifying Jesus as the Word/as God. Within his Gospel, John cites only two healing stories—a cripple and a blind man. Here the author links the healer, Jesus, with the Old Testament demonstrating how these healings supported John’s opening statement about Jesus.

by Agnes McBeth

The author challenges readers to disconnect from the external, mundane practices of searching for God, and regain the healing power potential of connection within God—that relationship between Christ and the penitent heart. God’s healing goes beyond the physical, resulting in freedom. In this worldview, healing is defined by our ability to liberate others.

by Priscilla Marcial

This is an unusual article for our Journal since it deals with a modern day healing of a five-month old baby who had emergency heart surgery; despite the fine reputation of the surgeon and the hospital, the mother felt that the operation had failed, and was terrified. She prayed non-stop for her daughter. A question might be―who was healed?

by Alice Ogden Bellis

While neither Hosea 12:7-9 nor Romans 1:24-25 refers directly to addiction, the problems associated with it can be teased out of Hosea’s historical context. Other parts of Hosea deal with idolatry, as do the focal verses in Romans. The powerful connections among idolatry, addiction, economics, and politics constitute a serious malady today, that could also be observed in biblical times.

by Sang Meyng Lee

The Gospel of Mark concentrates on how Jesus fulfilled the role of the suffering servant on his journey to the cross. It is a crucial irony that Jesus is not only the suffering servant, but he is also the Son of God. The true disciple understands this irony in relation to Jesus’ identity.