Comfort the Grieving

After two decades as pastor in the same church and several years as a hospital chaplain, Paul Tautges believes he has been exposed to far more grief and death than the average pastor. This book is his attempt to share what he’s learned with those given the responsibility and privilege of ministering to grieving people. This is not a book of gushy sentimentality however. Tautges realises that not all comfort is true comfort. He nails his colours to the mast early on: ‘Christ centred comfort is the only true comfort’ – anything else is temporary at best and deceptive at worst. In fact, at times of grief we must make death a servant of God’s purposes by seizing opportunities to gently speak the truth and redirect people to focus on eternal matters. Before getting into the practical side of things, the author begins with the spiritual foundations of comfort – which would be helpful for ministering to those dealing with anxiety/worry as well as grief. With that foundation laid, Tautges can move on to the practical, including a sample 16 month – 3 year plan for ongoing comfort once the funeral is over, and a chapter on letter writing.
The shorter second part of the book contains sample sermons (not quite so helpful, but might give a few ideas) as well as help for structuring a funeral. It is a sad comment on today’s church that none of his sample orders of service or appendix on ‘poetry, songs and prayers’ includes the singing of psalms. Apart from that it’s a helpful little book, but we’ll let Henry Cooke conclude:

“The most pious productions of uninspired men are a shallow stream; the Psalms are unfathomable and shoreless ocean. I was long in favour of paraphrases and hymns of human composure in the worship of God; but now I have learnt that nothing will do for a sinking soul in a dying hour but the Psalms of David”.

Thanks to Zondervan for providing a review copy.

This book is a wonderful resource for pastors and laity that deal with sickness, death and those who mourn. My minister has asked that I start visiting parishioners that are in the hospital or home bound. I know that the day will come when I must visit someone who is dying or visit the family of someone who recently passed. This book has given me wonderful advice on how to handle things that I will encounter and how to help both the person dying and their family. The author, Pastor Tautges gives kind, compassionate and sound theological based advice. He teaches the reader to remember that mourning does not end with the funeral and the family will need continued care and support. He suggests way to attend to the needs of the grieving like the lost art of letter writing. He points out that a funeral sermon can comfort and bring hope and he has given two sample sermons at the back of the book. This book will stay in my reference library and I know I will turn to it often when the need arises. I received an e-book copy of this book for the purpose of my honest review.

As a Pastor this book has been very helpful personally to me. One of the most difficult challenges of pastoral ministry is coming alongside those who are grieving and attempting to give them comfort. I think this book should be read by everyone in ministry and anyone who is thinking entering into pastoral ministry. Tautges book is one I will refer to again and again in my ministry.

There is much to mourn for in this world and much grief to be endured. This creates ample opportunities for children of God to love, help, comfort, and hurt with those who are suffering. Being able to minister properly through these situations will benefit all involved.

Comfort the Grieving by Paul Tautges is a wonderful resource. It is focused on the word of God and immensely practical. While it is designed for pastors, this is a volume that will equip and encourage all believers as we fulfill our Christian obligation to “mourn with those who mourn.” This short volume is divided into sections covering pastoral care and preaching. 

Tautges encourages the reader that care for the grieving does not conclude at the memorial service and offers a helpful guide on how to make sure that those needing continued care will receive it. He also encourages pastors, and all Christians, to take up the art of letter writing as a means of offering care and then proceeds with some practical, “how-to” advice.

While Tautges is clear those grieving need personal, one-on-one care, he does not minimize the need of care from the pulpit. He offers a few sample sermons from funerals to offer examples of Christ-centered, sensitive, evangelistic messages to share in corporate times of grieving.

This is a volume that will help many to love and care for those around them who are hurting. It is short and accessible and I see no reason that it should not be read by many.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

Very helpful, practical  bible basked book. I was impressed right off with a reference to Jeremiah 29:11 in context, as a promise to the exiled nation of Isreal! There is so much comfort for believers, but this book does not say all is good, as he points out also what comforts cause harm or false hope. I disagree with this pastor though that he directs this book only to pastors as shepherds, but person to person ministry is something needed of every believer, not just those being paid or have a position to do so. Thankfully, this book is helpful to all. Read and benefit from its truths!