CHURCH MEMBERS IN CRISIS
Journal Article Review: Church Members in Crisis
Tori Thomason
PACO 604
March 20, 2022
Liberty University
Tori Thomason
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be address to Tori Thomason
Email: tthomason@liberty.edu
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Summary
This article is a published study meant to help expand discernment for churchgoers when
they are confronted with a situational crisis. The authors in this article singled out certain
resources which were meaningful and provided help for those who endure crisis. The authors
also address and define two certain types of crises which are developmental or situational (Stone
et al., p. 406, 2004). Alongside these two particular types of crises, there are also four key factors
in the development of crisis. These main elements are described through external peril itself,
one’s appraisal of the situation as dangerous, and how one copes with their resources (Stone et
al., pp. 406-407, 2004).
Crisis is a trivial experience individuals go through. Not all people cope with crisis in the
same way. Everyone’s experience is different and because of that, their coping skills can play a
huge part in how they handle the critical situation at hand. Stone, Cross, Purvis, and Young’s
(2004) study imitates the effect of personal support systems when coping with crisis and
amplifies the role of religion by applying faith during significant circumstances. Faith plays a
vital role in a Christian’s life as it adheres to making a choice on giving the circumstance to God
and relying solely on Him. Romans 8:24-25 states: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope
that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see,
we wait for it with patience” (English Standard Version).
Various researchers and scholars have focused on the role that religion plays in how an
individual will view critical and often stressful situations. In this publication, “Kessler (1979)
described a “vulnerability factor” that determines a person’s response to stressful situations. In
addition to education, socioeconomic status, and social support, one’s involvement in religion
was identified as a contributor to reduced vulnerability” (Stone et al., p. 408, 2004). Through this
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study, the primary goal was to collect information on various stages of crisis resolution. This
being shown through the description of crisis, the evaluation in the way the crisis has affected the
individual, how the individual has coped, the internal resources that are their religious beliefs,
and concluding with their external resources such as the person’s family, church, and friends
(Stone et al., p. 410, 2004).
The study was carried out from 1999 to 2000 where there was a discussion section that
concluded the view on a person’s church involvement along with their faith in The Lord. This
study showed how that benefited the person during a time of crisis. Through this analysis, they
interviewed 26 different individuals after ensuring that human safeguards were in place through
the ethics committee. The committee found positive coping strategies using prayer, music, and
fellowship with other believers (Stone et al., pp. 409-417, 2004).
Interaction
Throughout reading this article, I found myself intrigued with what this specific study
was about and how the authors evaluated the process of dealing with crisis. I found that the
writers were thorough in their learning and provided distinct definitions of what crisis is and
looks like. The pivotal point in this article that truly stood out to me was the fact that it
emphasized having a strong support system. This included being active and involved in the
church through fellowship along with placing faith in Christ through critical situations.
The background from this journal article is crucial because crisis is generally something
people tend to steer away from. It is a word that can make individuals feel uncomfortable. The
authors were able to present this topic in a way that places the reader at ease by wanting to gain
more knowledge on this heavy subject. It enables the reader to understand how this topic can
assist someone in a crisis.
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One area that I found fascinating regarding crisis is how that everyone experiences these
situations differently, however because of this many people tend to experience the same type of
reaction and emotions. Another captivating factor in all of this is that people find that support
groups are more beneficial and impactful when dealing with calamity. Because of these statistics,
it is beneficial for me, as the pastoral counselor, to know and recognize what other options are
out there to help better assist and serve those dealing with hardships.
As a counselor, it is significant to distinguish the components of stress that can emerge
from crisis and to understand the complete impact and correlation to faith-based and religious
groups as a means for healing. The authors showed how these factors played a contributing role
in the resilience of Christians. It gives encouragement as a comprehensive model during
catastrophic measures (Stone et al., p. 406, 2004). I found this article to be refreshing as it
highlighted these significant principles and how Christ genuinely gives hope for His children in
times of adversity.
Application
I already have the honor and privilege in counseling young girls and even a few older
women as they deal with their own form of crisis. Crisis shows up in everyone’s life at some
point, so it is critical to grasp the understanding on how people cope during these times. I plan to
especially apply these concepts when counseling individuals that are coping with grief and loss.
This type of crisis is one that is inevitable. I have found that incorporating Biblical teachings,
principles, and Scripture with this subject has been beneficial.
I plan to highlight the importance of leaning on Christ during the healing process. He is
the only One who can heal His people in a true and reassuring way. Frequently, people will lean
and rely onto time to heal what they are going through. Time typically blinds people to their hurt
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by not dealing with it properly and nourishing the pain. Jesus is the ultimate Healer and wants to
provide for His children during times of personal crisis. He wants us to dive into His Word and
embrace who He is as our Father.
This article specifically has given me more insight on utilizing prayer. Even though God
knows everything, including what we as His children are thinking and are going through; He still
wants us to be dependent on Him. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who
strengthens me” (English Standard Version). By listening and reading this verse, oftentimes
people will get transfixed on the “I can” part rather than the “through Him” part of the verse.
God wants us to be dependent on Him and His good and perfect plan for our life. He uses our
pain and suffering for the good of His Kingdom, even when we may not fully understand why.
Utilizing the book of Psalms and Lamentations is one of my personal go-tos as it reflects the
character of God. David starts out the beginning of almost every Psalm crying out to God and
then ends it with glorifying and giving praise to God amidst his suffering.
I have gained a better understanding and concept of crisis through the information from
this article. It has provided me with a vile outline in which I plan to utilize in my counseling
sessions. I also plan to apply these teachings in my personal life. I plan to incorporate this at
church and through Bible studies when I see or know of a member in the church who needs
guidance and help grasping true healing in their situation. Even witnessing and giving
encouragement to those who are not in the church can be a great avenue as it allows for me to
teach someone about the goodness of God. I have found that a lot of people, just like myself, find
God amidst their own storm and suffering.
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Reference
Stone, H. W., Cross, D. R., Purvis, K. B., & Young, M. J. (2004). A Study of Church Members
During Times of Crisis. Pastoral Psychology, 52(5), 405-421.
