Using Scripture in the Grief Process

About the Book

The Hilltop United Methodist Church of Columbus, Ohio, directly inspired this project because of the signifcant loss of elderly membership. The elderly were dying at an alarming rate. It became necessary to aid the church with grief counseling. Many members of the church were still grieving over lost loved ones and needed healing to move on with their lives, church life and private life. The author and context associates agreed on the design and implementation of the model to be used for grief healing. The methodology to be used was a tool for pastoral counseling and focused on grief issues. The design and implementation included seven sermons, five lectures, and three interviews. Pre and post questionnaires were distributed before and after each sermon. After each lecture, time was allotted for questions and answers. Both questionnaires were used to measure responses of the listeners. A final evaluation was made to determine overall effectiveness.

About the Author

Willie L. Johnson III was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 16, 1960, and presently a lecturer, professor at Chicago State University and pastor of God’s Church of Spiritual Truth of Chicago. He has completed a doctorate degree in Ministry: Pastoral Care and Counseling at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and a master’s of divinity degree at Garrett-Evangelical—Theological Seminary in pastoral care and counseling. Dr. Willie L. Johnson is currently teaching Religious and Spiritual Issues in Psychology at Chicago State University. The course description “integrates psychological theory with religious beliefs and spiritual values. Students apply these foundations to counseling situations involving addictions, grief, and violence. Families, singles, youth, and prison populations are addressed.”—Chicago State University, Chicago Pastor Willie L. Johnson was called to the ministry at the tender age of seven and has been pasturing and preaching the gospel for twenty-one years. The scriptural theme that emerges as a metaphor for his life, “Suffering Servant” embodies the essence of the “Good Shepherd,” how he lays down his life for the sheep. He has been led by God into a ministry that focuses on restoring Godly family values in a world filled with poverty, homelessness, and brokenness. This book presents a seven-stage model for the healing of grief issues using scriptures that incorporates human suffering with God’s divine intervention. Humanity’s active participation in the “Kingdom of God” not only ends all suffering, but brings healing and new life. Furthermore, this book not only leads persons into healing of grief issues, but can actively lead persons into their meaning and purpose for life. Scriptures along with discernment of practical life experiences and spiritual understanding an individual can realize healing mentally, physically, and spiritually. This book presents a seven-stage model leading toward healing holistically by incorporating practical life experiences, psychological theory, and religious beliefs and spiritual values. Willie L. Johnson illustrates how “spiritual discernment can be used in pastoral counseling. He shows the value of seeking to discern God’s presence in the counseling process to bring healing and wholeness to those who suffer from broken relationships.” A discernment model of pastoral counseling is provided for individuals. —Edward P. Wimberly, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Services/Provost