Aspects of ministering in crises – summary of article and web lead
Don’t waste a crisis
This is the title of an article by a US Presbyterian minister who edits Leadership Journal. Joe Orthberg contends that crises, while unwanted, are windows of opportunity for the Cure of Souls.
Here is a very short taster of his article
Ministry in crisis takes time
Crisis is a temporary opportunity for a permanent gift
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt writes that crisis may bring growth—but only if we respond rightly….
Just as there is a condition called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, researchers are now talking about Post Traumatic Growth.
Crisis can purify my own ministry
Crisis isn’t just something we minister to. It’s something we minister from… God isn’t at work producing the circumstances I want. God is at work in bad circumstances to produce the me he wants.
Crisis can produce deeper roots
If you could erase every failure, disappointment, and period of suffering, would that be a good idea?
Crisis can deepen love
Thomas Merton wrote, “As long as we are on earth, the love that unites us will bring us suffering by our very contact with one another, because this love is the resetting of a Body of broken bones.”…
Jacob was given a wound, and a blessing. Or maybe his wound WAS his blessing. Maybe you will bless more people with your limp than with your strength.Blessed are you who limp, for you shall walk with God.
In crisis, people are hungry for Hope
God is still in the business of redemption, specializing in bringing something very, very good out of something very, very bad.
For the full text see:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/communitylife/discipleship/dontwastecrisis.html