Grief, Loss And Pain In Churches

A handbook to help pastors and pastoral workers. Every day people in churches experience loss events; it may be through a bereavement but it might also be due to many other factors such as unemployment, moving house, children leaving home, divorce and even the loss of the minister when they move on. The aim of this book is to help ministers and pastoral workers to be more prepared and equipped to handle loss issues. It includes an understanding of the variety of loss events in a parish, how to get alongside the bereaved and those carrying loss issues, understanding the variety of grief reactions, preparing a policy within the church and recognising one's own losses in life. This is a practical hands-on book that all pastors need to read.Canon Dr Bill Merrington writes from his practical experience in city, town and country churches. He has carried out extensive research on loss issues both in Britain and internationally. Bill is currently the Lead Chaplain at Bournemouth University.