Crisis Ministry

Brief Description

How can caregivers help families facing a crisis? What can friends say and do to assist church members who turn to them for guidance under stress? What are the first steps compassionate people can take to respond to individuals and families during a traumatic event?

This addition to the Smyth & Helwys Help! series is a collection of short, helpful responses to different crises, designed as a “first steps” guide for ministers and caregivers in a congregation. It assumes biblical principles and values for believers rendering first care. Resources for appropriate referral are mentioned at the end of each topic, and further reading is suggested for more extensive care. In each case we assume that the emergency caregiver is not an expert on the issue, but one who can direct hurting people to proper sources of care, coping, and help.

Topics covered include abortion, abuse, death and dying, guilt and shame, gender issues, hospitalization, imprisonment, birth defects, infertility, job loss, mental illness, panic-anxiety, rape, stress, and suicide. Suggestions are also made about how to listen attentively, how to use prayer and scripture in caregiving, and how to set realistic boundaries in ministry.

About the Author

Daniel G. Bagby is the Theodore F. Adams Professor of Pastoral Care at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Son of missionary parents to Brazil, Dan is a graduate of Baylor University (B.A., M.S.) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Ph.D.). He has pastored for twenty-six years, served in two pastoral counseling centers, and as chaplain to a juvenile detention center and a women’s prison.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Why We Care
Abortion
When an Abortion Has Occurred
When an Abortion Has Not Yet Occurred
Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Spiritual Abuse
Addiction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Aging
AIDS
Alcoholism
Anger
The Appearance of Anger
Biblical Reasons for Anger
Redemptive Options for Anger
Birth Defects
Death and Dying
When a Death Occurs
Complicated/Sudden Loss
Right to Die Questions
Stillbirth
Depression
Divorce
Children and Divorce
Grief
Words/Actions to Avoid When Working with a Grieving Person
Words to Avoid When a Child Dies
Words for the Grieving Person
Important Facts about Grief
Guilt and Shame
Homosexuality and Gender Identity
Illness
Hospitalization and Emotional Illness
Hospitalization and Physical Illness
Homebound Patient
Terminally Ill Patient
Imprisonment
Jail and a Juvenile
Infertility/Miscarriage
Job Loss
Mental Illness
Panic/Anxiety Attacks
Rape
Stress
Suicide
Suicide Attempt
After Suicide Occurs
Appendix: Principles in Counseling
Stress/Change Scale
Levels of Care
Listening and Talking Skills
Conflict Resolution
Using the Bible and Prayer in Pastoral Care
Compassion Fatigue