Theology of Presence: Walking with Others in the Compassion, Truth, and Hope of Christ
Theology of Presence is a biblical and pastoral study of God’s nearness and of the ministry of presence to those who suffer. It asks a simple question: how can believers faithfully remain with people in grief, illness, aging, and dying in a way that reflects the presence, compassion, and hope of Jesus Christ?
Because the complete study is long, it has been divided into four parts for easier reading online. Each part can be read on its own, though the four are meant to be read together:
- Part 1: The God Who Draws Near. The biblical and theological foundation: what a ministry of presence is, God’s presence through the story of Scripture, the incarnation, Jesus as the model of compassionate presence, and the Holy Spirit in the church.
- Part 2: The Heart and Practices of Presence. The caregiver’s inner life and practices: abiding in God, listening, hospitality, and prayer, Scripture, and silence.
- Part 3: Presence in Seasons of Suffering. Grief, illness and chronic suffering, aging, dementia, caregivers and families, and the end of life.
- Part 4: Sustaining a Ministry of Presence. Henri Nouwen’s wounded healer, lament and resurrection hope, boundaries and referral, the congregation as a community of presence, and practical guidelines for lay caregivers, with the study’s conclusion and appendices.
The complete study, with all four parts in one document, is also available for download for those who prefer to read, print, or teach from a single file.
If you are grieving or caring for someone who is ill, read at your own pace, and let the study comfort you before it asks anything of you.