Deanna Thompson: How to live like we’re dying
Five years after a breast cancer diagnosis that at first appeared to be an immediate death sentence, a theologian works to live in the space between death and resurrection.
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Claire Wimbush: Broken people walking toward wholeness
The Rev. Claire Wimbush, who was born with spastic cerebral palsy, wonders what it means to be a Christian with a disability. In this 10-minute video, she explains why the wounded body of Jesus shows us a kind of wholeness that does not depend on physical perfection.
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Wayne Weathers: Don't be embarrassed to admit you need help
The belief that he should “pray his way through” depression prevented a pastor from seeking counseling. But after going to a therapist, the pastor of Miller Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia wants to persuade others to seek a therapist’s help.
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Composite illustration by Jessamyn Rubio. Unsplash / Photos by Victor Freitas, Sylwia Bartyzel, Anthony Tran and Gift Habeshaw.
Four key strategies that help pastors flourish
Pastors who implement practices like prioritizing their mental health or nourishing friendships flourish in their careers, the Duke Clergy Health Initiative found.
J. Dana Trent: Planning for death helps you enjoy life
In her new book, “Dessert First,” an author and former “death chaplain” encourages people to prepare for the practical parts of death.
Eunice Sykes, seated, chats with Sharon Gentles, standing to the right, at the beginning of a dementia caregiver support group meeting at Sheila Welch's Marietta, Georgia, home. Welch, second from left, expanded her church's ministry after taking care of her mother for three years. Photos by Bita Honarvar
Dementia ministry in Georgia serves as a model for churches to care for the caregivers
What started with a simple support group has grown to include online resources and gatherings that pursue its twofold mission: to help caregivers and to educate faith and community leaders. It’s part of a growing trend of congregations supporting the “invisible second patients” of dementia.
Andrei Rublev's famous icon showing the three angels hosted by Abraham at Mamre. Wikimedia Commons
Allison Backous Troy: Hospitality is more than entertainment
While writing about hospitality, an author wrestles with questions about who belongs at the table.
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Mel Williams: Singing our way to hope
Singing draws people together, comforts the grieving, motivates and inspires. But most of all, it gives us hope, writes a Baptist pastor emeritus and singer.
Hope Citadel Healthcare in Greater Manchester, England, embraces a holistic approach to wellness that includes more than just medical care -- its clinics offer counseling services, mothers' groups and food pantries, among other services. Photos courtesy of Laura Neilson
Laura Neilson: Christian faith motivates a new model of health care for the poor
A British medical student, angry at the idea that a for-profit company would make money offering inferior treatment to her impoverished neighbors, founded her own clinic rooted in her Christian faith.
Dr. Jon Kocmond looks at photos of his family in his home office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kocmond lost his 16-year-old son, Nathan, to suicide in the fall of 2017. He has since been active in the suicide support group at Christ Episcopal Church. Photos by Wendy Yang
A church invests in mental health in response to parishioners' suffering
A 6,400-member congregation in North Carolina has created a “wellness director” position after experiencing six suicides in five years.
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Phoebe Farag Mikhail: Hospitality can help conquer loneliness
Community and connection are the antidotes to loneliness, says an educator and writer. Hospitality can help bring about that healing.
At dinner table churches like Simple Church, simple meals and breadmaking facilitate deep conversations and communal friendship. Photo courtesy of Simple Church
Kendall Vanderslice: Feasting brings people together in community
The hope of the church lies in a commitment to feast with one another, writes the author of the new book, “We Will Feast.”
Photo illustration by Jessamyn Rubio
Kathryn Lester-Bacon: House blessings help bear witness to real life
An associate pastor discovers the joy of accompanying people across actual thresholds with liturgical loving care.