Have you suffered a tragic loss – or know someone who has? While tragedies often motivate us to seek grief support, the truth is we grieve everyday. So says pastor and chaplain Andrew Gerns, who also says we each handle grief in our own unique ways. Usually we get over loss on our own, though there are times when taking to a professional and using medication may be needed.
In this course, Gerns tells us what grieving well looks like. He walks us through the four tasks of grief, and gives us helpful tips and strategies for getting over loss. And he tells us what positive and negative signs look like and how to address them.
This course is perfect for those who are getting through loss, as well as those who care for others who are grieving. Click here to learn more about this course and how to take it.
The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona predicts online learning will become more and more popular in U.S. churches. The Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith, whose diocese was an early ChurchNext subscriber, says the accessibility, affordability, flexibility, and control that online learning offers is a great opportunity to expand ministry. “Let’s face it,” Bishop Smith said, “historically, the church has missed the boat on most new media. We did okay with books at the Reformation, but it’s been pretty much downhill since then.” His diocese seems determined not to be behind today’s technological waves. Bishop Smith was an early twitter user and is active on many forms of social media. The way people build relationships continues to change and the Church needs to pay attention to that, says Smith, “The Church has always been about relationships, and we need to change alongside the current trends in communication.” Congregation-based online learning can also provide a way for churches to share, more widely their unique teaching. Smith says, “We have a message so we have to be involved. If we don’t claim our public voice, others will do it for us.”
We are thrilled to launch a new course today: