Follow the Healer: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Healing Ministry

by Stephen Seamands

There is a simple, yet transformative, truth that fundamentally changes the way we think about and approach the ministry of praying for others to be healed. It's the simple truth that Jesus heals-- the healing ministry to which we are called is not primarily our ministry, but Christ's. What we are called to do is to participate in his ongoing healing ministry. And as his ministry continues today through his body, the Church, he invites us to join him. In Follow the Healer , Stephen Seamands draws upon four decades of teaching theology and active involvement in healing ministry to help us grasp the "why-to" of healing that comes before the "how-to." He lays out the essential theological foundations for healing ministry in a way that is simple and accessible. This holistic, Wesleyan approach to healing will help traditional evangelicals more readily embrace healing ministry and lead Pentecostals and charismatics already engaged in this ministry move toward a more wholistic and discerning approach to healing.

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Stephen Seamands (Ph.D., Drew University) is professor of Christian doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He also frequently speaks and leads retreats and seminars on such issues as emotional healing and spiritual renewal.

His books include Give Them Christ (InterVarsity Press, 2012), Christology and Transition in the Theology of Edwin Lewis (University Press of America, 1987), Holiness of Heart and Life (Abingdon, 1990), A Conversation with Jesus (Victor, 1994) and Wounds That Heal (InterVarsity Press, 2003).

Reviews

[Ken Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished my read of Steve Seamands’ “Follow the Healer” last week. It is a wonderful addition to anything you’ve ever read on the topic, a true theology of healing - both biblically sound and inspirational. One of the more helpful nuances is his emphasis on our life between the “already” and the “not yet” in the Kingdom. As I’ve heard from our pastor over the years, “It ain’t heaven yet” - to which I’d add, after reading Seamands' book, it also ain’t heaven on earth yet. But we have the honor and privilege of witnessing and participating in God’s ongoing Kingdom ministries, which can include various forms of healing, in Seamands’ theology.
I highlighted, or noted, many passages in the book. Here is one that captures a key principle that is helpful in our understanding of the various forms of healing that Seamands writes about:
"Whenever someone is healed, that healing bears witness that the kingdom of God is already here. And whenever someone is not healed, the lack of healing bears witness that the kingdom of God is not yet here. What does and does not happen is rooted, first and foremost, in the already/not yet nature of the kingdom."
Yes, I highly recommend this book. For many of us in churches outside the Wesleyan tradition, this is a reminder of how John Wesley has enriched the Church universal. Steve Seamands, in addition to the value his book has on the topic of healing, may also help to heal some of the many breaches between the historic and often conflicting camps of the church.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most sane and sensible books on the gift of healing prayer that I have ever read.

Dr. Steve Seamands is Professor Emeritus at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore KY. He has both studied and practiced healing ministry for several years. He has seen it done well and seen it done poorly. What separates the two is motivation. In this book, he spends a lot of time pointing out that love must be the motivation of our ministry or we are doing it wrong (both love for Jesus and love for others). If someone is seeking to participate in healing ministry (or any of the so-called "charismatic gifts") out of only a desire to see God's power displayed, but having no love for the person in need, well, that person isn't doing it like Jesus!

I also appreciated the accompanying journal that was put out by Seedbed, the publisher of Follow the Healer. It is a great resource to process points in the book and is an excellent tool for study groups.

HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing ministry is a conversation that can quickly go side-ways in the church and past experiences and poor theological practice can make even faithful Christians 'twitchy' about broaching this topic. Into that this book speaks as a wonderful resource that is rich with the author's theological wisdom and ministry experience in speaking into many of the major issues and questions that surround the work of God in bringing about healing in this life from all sorts of wounds- physical, emotional, and psychological. In this book, Dr. Seamands really does introduce us to a Christ who is a wounded healer and a God who wants to fill us with the Spirit to be healed and to do the healing work that points to the goodness of His kingdom. As a Methodist, I appreciate the author's historical detailing of a Wesleyan view of healing ministry and the author's full endorsement of the continuation of gifts. I finished this book ready to learn more about healing ministry and awakened to an understanding for the church to really begin to talk about the crucial topic. This book is smart but accessible and I could definitely see myself using it for a small group series in the future.

[Beth Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on Christian healing. While I am not interested in trying to heal someone myself, I did get a lot out of the book on the Christian aspect of healing, which is often different from what society thinks. Seamands does a good job of writing in layman's terms, everything backed up by Scripture.

[Kaylee Jo Neeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me expand my knowledge of His character and sovereignty. Which also challenged the box that I had put healing in for so long. It gave me the freedom to ponder upon questions I had become unbothered by not knowing the answer. Such a edifying read.

[Lisa Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to go through and review. Practical, biblical and inspiring.

[Lisa Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Life changing!

[Wade Killough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer for healing ministry focused on the Trinity.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and easy to understand. It allows one to see what healing is about and how we walk along with Jesus. In the book, Seamands explains the pitfalls that we sometimes experience.

[Tana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful bible study. It is very well written and easy to understand. The discussion questions that go along with the videos that accompany the study were very challenging for me.

[John Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seamands never disappoints. Phenomenal book on healing.

[Callie Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

PC 510

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent; I especially loved the last chapter on joy.