Out of Print
Pastors and church leaders are responsible for countless things. Unfortunately, in many churches, ministry to widows remains largely neglected and forgotten.
Highlighting the Bible’s recurring commands to care for widows with sensitivity and compassion, this book encourages church leaders to think carefully about how to serve the widows in their congregations and suggests practical strategies to that end. In part 1, the authors summarize the Bible’s consistent teaching regarding the care of widows. In part 2, the authors offer hands-on counseling and a host of practical suggestions related to ensuring that widows receive the support and encouragement they need to thrive in the church.
160 pages
“While reading this book, I went ‘Ouch!’ more than once because it points out ways in which we have been negligent in looking after the widows in our church. This is certainly one area in which we need reformation. I trust that my ‘Ouch!’ will be turned into action so that God may smile at our church as he sees the way we will begin to look after widows in distress in our midst. All of us who are church elders and deacons need to get back to this religion that is pure and undefiled before God!”
--- Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church; Chancellor, African Christian University, Lusaka, Zambia; author, Pastoral Preaching
“This is a gem of a book, full of helpful advice when it comes to pastoring, loving, and caring for widows in our congregations. I personally found it challenging, and I can see it being a helpful tool in teaching church members about their responsibilities to the widows in our midst.”
--- Mez McConnell, Senior Pastor, Niddrie Community Church, Edinburgh, Scotland; Director, 20schemes; author, Church in Hard Places
Table of Contents:
Part 1: The Biblical Warrant—Austin Walker
- Christ’s Example and James’s Principle
- The Price for Neglecting Widows
- The Compassion of Boaz
- The Compassion of Elijah and Elisha
- Provision and Protection in the Law of Moses
- The Significance of the Old Covenant Provisions
- The Character and Conduct of Christ
- Christ and Elijah
- Widows, the Church in Jerusalem, and Deacons
- “Really Widows”
Part 2: Pastoral Application—Brian Croft
- 11 Minister the Word
- Equip the Church
- Stay a While
- Listen and Learn
- Write a Card
- Take a Gift
- Involve Your Family
- Enjoy Their Company
- Watch for Anniversaries
- Adopt during Holidays
Conclusion
Appendix A: The Situation of Widows and Orphans of Christian Ministers by Andrew Fuller
Appendix B: A Unique Ministry: Training Young Mothers to Care for Elderly Widows
Caring for Widows: Ministering God's Grace is in the following collections: