Shepherding Women in Pain: Real Women, Real Issues and What You Need to Know to Truly Help

by Beverly Hislop

Infertility, divorce, domestic violence, eating disorders...all have become part of a day's work for women and men in ministry to women.  Yet, most are not prepared for this aspect of ministering to women in real pain over real issues. 

Designed to give leaders and care givers greater understanding, insights for shepherding, and referral resources, Shepherding Women in Pain is a compilation from contributors who have expertise and experience with women on the given issue.  For examples Stacey Womack, founder and Executive Director of Abuse Recovery Ministry & Services wrote the chapter on domestic violence and Kimberley Davidson, founder of Olive Branch Outreach, authored the chapter discussing eating disorders. The reader will be provided concise, practical, and grace-infused information designed to help women deal constructively with the trauma of their life experiences.  This book will serve as a key resource – read and re-read often – to those who serve women in pain.

Genres: Christian

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Emily Stranks]

This was a heavy and longer read for sure! I so appreciated how it did not shy away from discussing the reality of difficult/painful/complex experiences. Overall a helpful (and super tangible) resource!

[Johanna]

Has good resources in the back
It does an awesome job explaining the need for shepherds, especially for why shepherds of women need to be women. Looks at the Biblical basis and psychological/physiological understanding of women. Addresses compassion and shepherding skills. Hislop writes in a very clear and easy-to-understand manner. She uses numbered lists for almost every topic, which makes her book easy to read and follow.
She told a little too many stories for me - to explain every single thing she said, she used a story. That was an element of poor writing skills in my opinion, but otherwise, her book was good, and I'd recommend it to women wishing to minister in this way.
I'd also recommend the beginning chapters to pastors and other ministry leaders so they can understand the need to provide a strong women's ministry in this way.

[Sheri Joyce]

At times, difficult to follow because there lacked a cohesive flow and other times it seemed repetitive. I felt like the book didn't truly begin until around page 122. I appreciated her examples but through the first three parts of the book, she only used the same examples of women's' pain despite acknowledging that there was a list of pain in women that should be addressed.

Once she began to offer concrete suggestions for how to go about this hew way to minister did the book, for me, finally come alive.

[Rachel Gray]

I really appreciated this book that presented another side to many traditional women’s ministries. As others have mentioned, the book did meander a bit, and the author included lots of examples that had varying degrees of helpfulness, but the wisdom and heart that the author has in her years of experience ministering to women is so evident in every chapter. I really appreciated the practical advice she gave in the last chapter on starting up a team as well as the resources included in the appendix. I think many of the concepts in this book could be applied to ministry in general and not just women. As someone who has struggled to find and understand her giftings in the church, I felt so validated and encouraged by this book. “Shepherding also gives women an area of ministry to explore as they pursue their own gift development and church role…..Ministry roles for women with strong mercy, encouragement, exhortation, discernment, and wisdom gifting may be harder to find. Women who are better listeners than speakers wonder if there is a place to serve. Although shepherds may reflect a wide variety of gifting and personalities, some women are more naturally suited to the role. Role models for these women should be more visible.”

[Patrick]

This is an excellent introduction to the pastoral care of women by women. While one might expect that there would be many works of this genre, this book is somewhat exceptional and an excellent addition to the literature. Women who are concerned about shepherding women will find in this work wise and practical direction.

[Steph Cherry]

This has to be one of the most deep and well-written books I have read. Every section tugged powerfully at my heart. It made me want to cultivate a life that nurtures and heals those around me. I highly recommend it.

[Dee Dee Guilliams]

I've never seen women's ministry done this way, but I can definitely see how it could be helpful.

[Laura]

Beverly Hislop's book Shepherding Women in Pain provides an excellent guide for women and even pastors on how to help women process their pain in healthy ways. Hislop provides a balance of wisdom on how women's ministers and mentors can walk with women while directing them to profession help when necessary. Biblically focused and centered on healing the whole person, Hislop gives great counsel to women trying to help other women experiencing various kinds of pain. While Hislop provides an overview, she also draws from the wise counsel of other women in ministry on how to help women in specific situations--divorce, abortion, abuse, and so on. Overall, this is a great guide for anyone wishing to better offer hope and healing to women. Shepherding Women in Pain is definitely a book I'll come back to again and again as I seek to process some of my own pain and as I walk with other women in my life through their pain.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Rachel]

Wow! This book is amazing. Filled with tons of helpful information on a list of situations women have faced, may face or are currently facing in their life. It includes do’s and don’ts for each situation. It’s definitely one of the best shepherding resources for women that I have ever read. I highly recommend this book.

[Cynthia]

Excellent resource for mentoring women!

[Margo]

This is an outstanding model for mentoring and ministering women. It guides us in Christ's example to reach out to the women He places in our lives.

[Joey Rosado]

Great book for pastors looking to minister to women who are or will be grieving.