Title
Embracing God's Future without Forgetting the Past: A Conversation about Loss, Grief, and Nostalgia in Congregational Life,Used
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Many congregations today are dealing with changes that have led to decline and significant loss. In Embracing God's Future without Forgetting the Past, Michael K. Girlinghouse argues that until a congregation comes to terms with its perceived losses through a healthy process of grief, it will be paralyzed in the present and unable to think creatively about the future.Acknowledging and expressing grief will give the congregation the courage to redefine its relationship with the past and draw strength and encouragement from its memories as it steps into the future.Drawing on more than thirty years of ministry experience in varied settings and concurrent study and teaching about loss, grief, and nostalgia, Girlinghouse shows clergy, church staff, and lay leaders how they can work through the experience of loss and grief, both personally and in their congregation.Part 1 discusses loss and grief using a contemporary, taskbased model for the grief process. It also introduces recent research on the value of nostalgia.In part 2, Girlinghouse helps leaders tell their congregation's story, including its losses, examine how that story fits in our current social context, and explore ways to accept the reality of its losses and express grief over them.Part 3 considers ways congregations can think more adaptively and creatively about the future without forgetting or devaluing the past. Girlinghouse presents appreciative inquiry as a tool to discover and build on a congregation's strengths while coming to terms with its losses.Part 4 is about embracing God's future for the congregation, "remembering forward," and making the changes necessary to move from the sadness of loss to the joy of taking up life again.Each chapter includes a Bible study and questions for reflection and discussion.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has one hundred eighty pages. This length provides a thorough exploration of loss and grief in congregational life.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading or discussion.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point seventy-five inches in length, zero point seventy-five inches in width, and eight point seventy-five inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and easy to store.
- Q: What topics are covered in this book? A: The book covers loss, grief, and nostalgia in congregational life. It offers insights on navigating these challenges for church leaders and members.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Michael K. Girlinghouse. He has over thirty years of ministry experience, contributing to the book's depth.
- Q: What is the target audience for this book? A: The book is aimed at clergy, church staff, and lay leaders. It provides practical guidance for dealing with grief in congregational settings.
- Q: How can I apply the lessons from the book? A: The book includes Bible studies and reflection questions. These features help readers apply the concepts to their personal and congregational experiences.
- Q: Is this book suitable for group discussions? A: Yes, this book is suitable for group discussions. The included questions for reflection encourage meaningful conversations about loss and grief.
- Q: Does the book provide practical tools for leaders? A: Yes, the book offers practical tools like appreciative inquiry. This helps congregations build on strengths while addressing losses.
- Q: Can this book help with personal grief? A: Yes, the book can assist with personal grief. It discusses how individuals and congregations can process their losses.
- Q: What is appreciative inquiry as mentioned in the book? A: Appreciative inquiry is a tool for discovering strengths in a congregation. It helps leaders and members create a positive vision for the future.
- Q: How does the book address nostalgia? A: The book discusses the value of nostalgia in the grief process. It shows how memories can provide strength while moving forward.
- Q: Is there a specific faith perspective in this book? A: Yes, the book is written from a Christian perspective. It integrates biblical concepts into the discussions of grief and loss.
- Q: What is the main message of the book? A: The main message is that acknowledging grief is essential for moving forward. It argues for a healthy process of grieving to embrace the future.
- Q: Are there any illustrations or examples in the book? A: Yes, the book includes illustrative examples from the author's experiences. These examples enhance understanding of the discussed themes.