Together Through the Storm

by Sally Sims

A short and practical guide for every Christian to caring for people going through tough times. In our fallen world, episodes of sickness, suffering, and other trials are all too common. And the Bible's clear call for us to show Christian love and care means we know we shouldn't sit idly by while people around us go through these tough times. Yet our genuine concern for others is often hindered by valid fears―the fear of not knowing what to do or what to say; the fear of putting our foot in it and making things worse; or the fear that involvement may take us beyond our own personal resources. In Together Through the Storm, Sally Sims helps us overcome these fears by setting out clear biblical foundations and very practical guidance for Christian care that is based in the word of God and in Christian hope. Sally brings a tremendously useful mix of life experiences to this important book, including training and practice as a nurse, study in pastoral care and chaplaincy, extensive reading and research, years of coordinating and providing pastoral care in her church, and, of course, personally persevering through her own times of trial. Reading Together Through the Storm will help any Christian to develop in their ability to care for others, but it also provides a useful foundation for training a 'care team' in your church. This second edition has a new cover and some updated content.

Genres: Christian

158 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2023

Reviews

[Scott Tubman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic guide for Christian care that is theological and practical. Not only does it help those in need, but it also helps the helpers. As we are about to formaise care teams at our church, I think this will be our go to resource.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of suffering in our world—we all know that and often experience it. Most of us want to help alleviate the suffering or walk alongside others of our family, friends, and neighbors who are suffering. But, there is a fear and a feeling of insufficiency for the task. What can we do and how can we best serve others who are suffering? This little book is helpful, first in addressing the issue of Suffering and the God Who Cares. Start by being on a solid biblical foundation. Are you suffering? This chapter is for you as well as those who would help. Secondly, parts II and III address Biblical foundations for Christian care and Christian care in action. Whether you are setting up a care ministry at your church or wanting to do more for others individually, this little book will help allay any fears you may have and assist you in caring for the hurting.

[Michael King · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that provides a high-level systematic theology of suffering and pastoral care as well as some wisdom on pastoral care.

I learnt from Sally that listening well is really the key to good pastoral care. It provides a way to "represent" God during a time when he "feels" far away. It helps someone to reflect and analyse. It provides the opportunity to speak words of grace.

I would recommend the book to someone who is trying to think through how to care well for someone when they're at rock-bottom. I would probably recommend "Suffering Well" by Paul Grimmond to explore the topic of suffering in the Bible.

[Pip Snort · Rating 3 out of 5]

With plenty of helpful, yet gentle advice "Together Through the Storm" aims to encourage thoughtful, informed and loving christian care.

[Leinad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really helpful book on providing Christian pastoral care to others. It was wise, practical and well-grounded theologically. I want to go back over the book, reflecting on it more deeply and familiarising myself with the many helpful passages of scripture that were cited.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile read, helpful

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, helpful overview of Christian care in times of crisis. The book begins by briefly laying some biblical foundations for understanding suffering and the nature of care within the church, before offering some practical guidelines for offering such care.

I particularly appreciated the emphasis on "the body of Christ working together," and the way that the whole book is an invitation for the whole church to be involved, not just the church leadership or a specialised care team. The practical guidelines are the real strength of this book - there probably won't be anything new for people with some training in this area, but she offers a clear and concise summary and helpful questions for reflecting on these guidelines. This book definitely deserves to be widely read.

There are a few sections that could have been developed further, although I acknowledge that this book was intentionally short. The section on "What makes our care Christian?" would be one example. There are also a few noticeable omissions, such as special discussions on caring for the family of those going through trials, or caring for young children, or caring for unbelievers connected with the church family. Even so, the book does a really good job of doing what it intends to do. Definitely recommended.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing style: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Engagement:🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purpose:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Value:🌟🌟🌟🌟

Overall: 4/5