September 10, 2023
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 48,183 Americans ended their lives by suicide in 2021, a figure that has increased by about 35 percent since 2000. . . . Here are seven ways to help those grieving a suicide death. . . .
December 24, 2012
By Victor M. Parachin Although Mary, the mother of Jesus, became an important focus of theology and piety in the history of Christianity, she is seldom mentioned in the New Testament. Mary is never mentioned explicitly in the New Testament letters, and only once each in the books of Acts and Mark. She is involved in two stories in the Gospel of John, but the writer never identifies her by name. Yet, in Luke”s account of Jesus” birth, Mary is a bright and shining star. Luke writes eloquently about the character and strength of Mary, suggesting Mary”s words and actions
August 6, 2012
By Victor M. Parachin So this is the pastorate? Is this the ministry? To be misunderstood, unappreciated, alone, and misquoted with no hope of correction? This is a painful, lonely business. That lament was a journal entry made by pastor David Fisher shortly after he began ministry. Fortunately, Fisher, author of The 21st Century Pastor, weathered that difficult time. Other ministers, however, are not as fortunate. Recent polls reveal high-level dissatisfaction and discouragement among those in the ministry: “¢ 1,700 ministers leave ministry every month, an annual exodus of more than 20,000 “¢ 50 percent of ministers quit within five years of
March 13, 2012
By Victor M. Parachin Everyone leads someone, and every ministry demands leadership. Look at this inventory to see what you can add to your leadership skill set. In 1812, when Napoleon invaded Russia, he was regarded across Europe as a brilliant, inspiring leader who enjoyed one success after another. His attack on Russia was viewed by many as another example of his military genius and bravado. Opposing Napoleon was General Mikhail Kutuzov, an older man who was not well-known. Nothing about Kutuzov suggested he was up for the challenge of repelling Napoleon and his mighty force. Kutuzov was a veteran
October 26, 2008
By Victor M. Parachin Several years ago, Collin Perry was living the American dream. He had a thriving construction business, a comfortable home, two new cars, a sailboat, and was happily married. Then the business climate soured, eroding his savings. He lay awake at night knowing he couldn”t make ends meet. Just when he thought things couldn”t get worse, his wife declared she wanted a divorce. With no idea what to do next, he boarded his sailboat and literally began to “sail off into the sunset.” He started by following the coastline from Connecticut toward Florida, but somewhere off the
November 20, 2005
When someone you know is grieving, it’s easy to feel unsure what to say or do. These practical do’s and don’ts offer compassionate guidance for showing up, listening well, and staying present long after the funeral.
November 6, 2005
A curated list of grief recovery books to share with the bereaved, including compassionate guidance for suicide loss, holiday grief, and the death of a spouse—plus a Psalm-centered reflection for those who mourn.
September 25, 2005
A dozen practical ways to support and encourage your minister and other spiritual leaders—through prayer, appreciation, helpful action, and a commitment to build up the body with love.
August 7, 2005
Miscarriage grief is often minimized, but it is a real loss. Victor M. Parachin shares practical, compassionate ways to show up, speak healing words, and support a friend through the long process of mourning.
April 7, 2026
John B. Penrose Jr
April 7, 2026
David Faust
March 27, 2026
Rick Cherok