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by Karen Sjoblom (Author)
How might believers get back to offering the gifts
of suffering-faith, perseverance, empathy, and hope-to those living in a literal world of hurt?People used to seek support from the Church when life got hard. But instead of providing a place for people to suffer well together, many churches today focus more on big growth, how-to programs, and positive news. If we come to value comfort over depth, chasing after more safe, predictable lives, we risk diminishing our light and His hope.
In Holy Disturbance, author Karen Sjoblom aims to reacquaint people of faith with the gifts of suffering by weaving historical and current-day narratives around Reverend Addison Groff's timeless prayer, "Disturb Us, O Lord." Focused on equipping and encouraging pastors, leaders, volunteers, and congregants, Sjoblom invites the Church and Her people to move toward deeper faith and community-especially within our storms.
- Study how and why we've drifted from being suffering servants
- Read dozens of stories from congregants, leaders, and pastors about grief, recovery, hurt, and growth within the Church
- Soak in reflection questions, meaningful practices, and leadership wisdom to map a new course for your church and community-and a renewed thirst for God
Suffering engenders messier lives but richer, deeper connections...and this is what the Church was built for. Holy Disturbance is part love letter and part wake-up call to the Church and Her people-to recognize the gifts that come from our seasons of struggle, and to share our hard-won lessons and His hope with a hurting world.
