What do you think?
Rate this book
Shepherding Women in Pain: Real Women, Real Issues, and What You Need to Know to Truly Help
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 example 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.
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 example 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.
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 10, 2019
One of the most practical books on helping women I've read. Almost every struggle a woman will go through is covered here.
The authors describe the struggles women face, and then provide a list of do's and don'ts on how you can help.
My only complaint is the pornography chapter. I thought they were going to mention women struggling with sexual addiction and pornography, and how to help them. Disappointingly (in my mind), it was actually helping women through their husband's porn addiction. Women deal with sexual addiction too, and I don't think it's talked about enough.
Overall, I'd shove this in the face of anyone and everyone who wants to be a good friend to women. You don't have to want to be a counsellor to help people.
The authors describe the struggles women face, and then provide a list of do's and don'ts on how you can help.
My only complaint is the pornography chapter. I thought they were going to mention women struggling with sexual addiction and pornography, and how to help them. Disappointingly (in my mind), it was actually helping women through their husband's porn addiction. Women deal with sexual addiction too, and I don't think it's talked about enough.
Overall, I'd shove this in the face of anyone and everyone who wants to be a good friend to women. You don't have to want to be a counsellor to help people.
August 12, 2023
This book hit on a lot of key life issues specific to women, and had a really good balance of professional counseling insight and biblical application. Definitely would recommend for anyone working in women's ministry, will definitely be referencing again in the future!
May 7, 2019
A good book that covers a lot of different situations that women face and how to correctly minister in those situations.
Recommended 15+ for different themes that may be inappropriate for younger readers.
Used with Liberty University Online's Christian Counseling of Women (304).
Recommended 15+ for different themes that may be inappropriate for younger readers.
Used with Liberty University Online's Christian Counseling of Women (304).
September 13, 2020
Shepherding Women in Pain by Bev Hislop is a valuable book for those wanting to understand and offer love and support to women and the many issues they are dealing with, often silently. This book provides an abundance of knowledge for deep questions, such as: how can I stop the pain? The chapters about the issue itself offer true stories, input from professionals, practical suggestions, things to say and do, things to avoid, resources, related scriptures, etc. I included the contents of the book as this speaks volumes for itself (it is organized into 3 sections.)
Section 1: Understanding Women in Pain - What the Woman in Pain Wants to Know
1) How Can I Stop the Pain?
2) When Will Life Be Normal Again?
3) What Does Healing Look Like?
4) Where is God in This Pain?
Section 2: Shepherding Women in Pain - What the Shepherd Needs to Know
5) Shepherding Insights
6) Depression
7) Infertility
8) Terminal Illness
9) Physical Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and the Aging Process
10) Addictions
11) Abortion Recovery
12) Eating Disorders
13) Incarceration
14) Homelessness
15) Suicide
16) Domestic Abuse
17) Sexual Abuse
18) Divorce
19) Pornography
20) Spiritual Abuse
21) Sexuality
Section 3: Healing Women in Pain - What the Healing Community Needs to Know
22) Environments of Grace Offer Acceptance
23) Wounded Healers Reflect God’s Power
24) Authentic Soul Care Givers Generate Health
25) Communities of Support Bring Hope
As a caregiver, leader, or friend, when we offer experience and/or understanding to a woman who is hurting, it opens up a bit of trust. And from that small bit of trust can then be the possibility of the woman sharing her story, and then from that, maybe just a little healing too. Trust, sharing, and healing are all precious to the woman who is in pain, and each one is something priceless to offer. Even if we ourselves haven’t experienced a certain issue, to be able to understand the pain a woman is going through is so valuable. This book offers deep insight into many major issues causing women so much pain, and I highly recommend it for it’s deep insights that allow us to be well prepared to offer help as we can.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Section 1: Understanding Women in Pain - What the Woman in Pain Wants to Know
1) How Can I Stop the Pain?
2) When Will Life Be Normal Again?
3) What Does Healing Look Like?
4) Where is God in This Pain?
Section 2: Shepherding Women in Pain - What the Shepherd Needs to Know
5) Shepherding Insights
6) Depression
7) Infertility
8) Terminal Illness
9) Physical Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and the Aging Process
10) Addictions
11) Abortion Recovery
12) Eating Disorders
13) Incarceration
14) Homelessness
15) Suicide
16) Domestic Abuse
17) Sexual Abuse
18) Divorce
19) Pornography
20) Spiritual Abuse
21) Sexuality
Section 3: Healing Women in Pain - What the Healing Community Needs to Know
22) Environments of Grace Offer Acceptance
23) Wounded Healers Reflect God’s Power
24) Authentic Soul Care Givers Generate Health
25) Communities of Support Bring Hope
As a caregiver, leader, or friend, when we offer experience and/or understanding to a woman who is hurting, it opens up a bit of trust. And from that small bit of trust can then be the possibility of the woman sharing her story, and then from that, maybe just a little healing too. Trust, sharing, and healing are all precious to the woman who is in pain, and each one is something priceless to offer. Even if we ourselves haven’t experienced a certain issue, to be able to understand the pain a woman is going through is so valuable. This book offers deep insight into many major issues causing women so much pain, and I highly recommend it for it’s deep insights that allow us to be well prepared to offer help as we can.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 19, 2023
In the last few months, I've been doing a deep dive into the idea of "shepherding"—caring for people and their souls as they walk through life, especially in seasons of hardship and pain. Bev Hislop's Shepherding A Woman's Heart: A New Model for Effective Ministry to Women was recommended by a friend, and I'm so thankful I found it, as it was full of depth and insight into the care of women. This book goes one step further and lays out specific ways "shepherds" can walk alongside women in various circumstances such as homelessness, infidelity, depression, grief, crisis, and sexual issues. In each chapter, steps are laid how for how to deal with and think about each issue, with a focus on what that person needs at that time.
Where the book is richest is its reminder that at the root of everything, we need the gospel of Jesus Christ. For instance, in the chapter on sexuality, the author writes:
I would recommend this book to every other Christian. It's a great resource as we walk through life with one another, reminding us that we're all sinners, none of us have our lives completely together, and that we all need God's grace.
Where the book is richest is its reminder that at the root of everything, we need the gospel of Jesus Christ. For instance, in the chapter on sexuality, the author writes:
While sexual integrity is part of surrendering our lives to Jesus' lordship, discipleship begins with an authentic encounter with God. One of the biggest mistakes I see people making is they want to address a woman's sexuality while neglecting her greater need for Jesus. We were made for intimacy. We were created for God, for the deepest passion and intimacy imaginable. Sexuality is a powerful physical way that we experience those longings for intimacy but is not the ultimate answer of what we are searching for.
I would recommend this book to every other Christian. It's a great resource as we walk through life with one another, reminding us that we're all sinners, none of us have our lives completely together, and that we all need God's grace.
February 24, 2020
## Shepherding Women in Pain
Real Women, Real Issues, and What You Need to Know to Truly Help
## by Bev Hislop
Moody Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 07 Apr 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Shepherding Women in Pain through Moody Publishers and Netgalley:
Sadly deeper emotional scars are often hidden from family and friends.
Bev Hishlop reminds us that loss is loss, whatever the circumstances. She points out that all losses are bad, but they are all bad in different ways. We are reminded too that no two loses are ever the same.
We are reminded too that the result of not feeling physical pain can be self destruction. Hishlop goes on to point out that pain is the gift no one wants, but none of us can do without. It is pointed out that the ability to feel physical pain actually is a God-given means of preserving life.
We are reminded too that Forgiveness should not be confused with reconciliation. It is reminded too that forgiveness is best understood as a process, a process that takes time. It is pointed out too that being able to forgive is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
This book covers everything from Physical Abuse, Disability, Grief Loss, eating disorders, infertility have all become part of a day's work for women and men in ministry to women. Despite this though many are not prepared to deal with these issues.
This book is a great resource one that is 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.
I give Shepherding Women in Pain five out five stars!
Happy Reading!
Real Women, Real Issues, and What You Need to Know to Truly Help
## by Bev Hislop
Moody Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 07 Apr 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Shepherding Women in Pain through Moody Publishers and Netgalley:
Sadly deeper emotional scars are often hidden from family and friends.
Bev Hishlop reminds us that loss is loss, whatever the circumstances. She points out that all losses are bad, but they are all bad in different ways. We are reminded too that no two loses are ever the same.
We are reminded too that the result of not feeling physical pain can be self destruction. Hishlop goes on to point out that pain is the gift no one wants, but none of us can do without. It is pointed out that the ability to feel physical pain actually is a God-given means of preserving life.
We are reminded too that Forgiveness should not be confused with reconciliation. It is reminded too that forgiveness is best understood as a process, a process that takes time. It is pointed out too that being able to forgive is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
This book covers everything from Physical Abuse, Disability, Grief Loss, eating disorders, infertility have all become part of a day's work for women and men in ministry to women. Despite this though many are not prepared to deal with these issues.
This book is a great resource one that is 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.
I give Shepherding Women in Pain five out five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 12, 2024
WOW! One of the most helpful books I've read. This book met a need I had been sensing for months: How to walk alongside dear friends in the midst of some of the most difficult trials of life. This book is excellent for anyone working in ministry BUT MORE SO for anyone who has ever sat with a friend in deep pain and not known what to say or do. Or who has avoided someone because their circumstances seem to difficult to bear. I have been both of these. This book was so helpful. Gave wonderful insight into shepherding in general as well as specific insight into over 15 life circumstances (divorce, easting disorders, abuse of various kinds) that those around you may be wrestling through. Christ is a healer. I am very thankful for this book.
September 16, 2024
This is SUCH a great resource for those who shepherd women in the church. (Whether male pastors or female). This book acts as a mini encyclopedia of unfortunately common issues that women deal with that cause pain. Each issue is explained, given shepherding insights, given a “do” and “don’t” list for how to help, and ends with a list of appropriate Scripture and resources for more information. The chapters are written by women with professional experience in the differing fields (such as hospice nurses and psychologists). I will be returning to this book many times I am sure.
April 12, 2023
I read this book as a part of a ministry course I am taking. I found this book to be very relevant and thought-provoking. I loved the way the author set up each story in a way that made it personal. I was able to connect to many of the sections in the book. I learned a lot about how to help other women as I come along side to help them with areas in life they struggle with. All in all this was a great read and I would recommend to anyone looking for information on how to better help women.
September 28, 2023
I don’t have words to describe how great this book is as a resource. This should be a required reading for all Pastors, female shepherds, coaches, counselors, and mentors, etc.
This book was healing in my journey through pain and it was helpful in my mentoring/shepherding relationships.
Helpful insights like Do’s and Don’ts that could be life saving and giving.
This book was healing in my journey through pain and it was helpful in my mentoring/shepherding relationships.
Helpful insights like Do’s and Don’ts that could be life saving and giving.
May 17, 2018
Highly recommend this resource for anyone who finds themselves in soul care for women. Literally covers any situation imaginable. I will definitely be keeping this in my library and reflecting back on it as situations present themselves. Two thumbs up!
July 8, 2017
helpful resource
June 26, 2018
I read this book for one of my classes. It was very informative. I learned so much from this book, especially about spiritual abuse. WOW!!! I will be using this again to help with my other classes.
April 2, 2024
This is.a great book with lots of hands on practical guidance. I appreciate the "do's and don'ts" of each chapter.
February 23, 2014
What I really enjoyed was the way Bev Hislop has covered every possible areas of pain a women could have/is experiencing. With each one, there is a list of "Helpful Things to Say and Do" and "Hurtful Responses to Avoid" which were helpful in shepherding women in pain as a friend. And Shepherding Insights for each case. There is also a section on practical ways to begin this ministry within the church. This is a must read for women who have a heart for helping others to become whole in Christ.
March 1, 2011
really well written book that can help anyone be a better friend to many different women, experiencing many different problems. This shows you that even though you haven't experienced the situation, you can still be a good shepherd. I definitely recommend this book to any women, especially those involved in some type of ministry.
June 24, 2014
Excellent book for women who are caring for other women in pain. Covers topics like terminal illness, addiction, abortion, sexual abuse, divorce, depression and much more. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews