Running head: JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW 1
Journal Article Review
A Study of Church Members During Times of Crisis Stone, Cross, Purvis and Young
Tanisha Johnson
Liberty University
PACO 604
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JOURNAL REVIEW ARTICLE 1
Summary
The article “A Study of Church of Members During Times of Crisis” by Howard W. Stone,
Karyn B. Purvis, Melissa J. young and David R. Cross is a rewarding piece of dialogue for those
who have a strong trust in religion base principles. As the authors profoundly revealed through
research, it showed the powerful and impactful way(s) how people who trust and rely on their
Faith to get through crisis prevails quicker when traumatic occurrence happens in one’s life. This
article helps the body of any setting of religious group or church members in observing how
individuals of the same as or beliefs cope or deal with crisis from time-to-time. Throughout the
article, it explained how positive and impactful for many in being connected to trusting church
members help in navigation of recovery after a crisis or traumatic experience. The article advises
of how, “to understand what church members experience during a crisis and to identify the
resources of social support that are helpful for church members during times of crisis. By the
way “as well as resources associated with religion” (Stone, Cross, Purvis, & Young 2004, 406).
In purposely showing how individuals collectively and privately cope with traumatic and/or
crisis in different ways which lead to the powerful impact of religion and social support coping
mechanisms toward recovery in many instances. The two, religion and social support were
deemed to be two of the most impactful coping mechanisms to recoverin individuals after a crisis
or traumatic event which shakes up a person’s emotional stability and normal comforts in one’s
life. The study took place within the walls of one Southern Baptist church with the participation
of 26 members within two weeks of a crisis event, so “religious as well as mental health
professionals can understand the psychological benefits of religious involvement.” (Stone, Cross,
Purvis, & Young 2004, 405). The research within the article revealed that because of the support
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from religion and social groups, individuals coping frames and recovering process was quicker
with accommodations from trusting and reliable outside support.
Interaction
Within the study of the article, it was revealed how theological and psychological makes
up a whole in implementation strategies of recovery from crisis or traumatic experience not only
in a secular atmosphere but also in religious settings. Both would have positive impact if applied
correctly within each individual situation. In aspect of the matter, individuals who are strong in
their faith with surrounded like-minded believers through prayer and support brings highly
profitable accommodations in healing. Also, through listening to music, social participation, and
acts of kindness in others are all ways shown to help support the mental recovery within a crisis.
A methodology to use with Spiritual inclusions such as the Bible, Hymnals, Ministers, Pastoral
Counselors, and Prayers are all befitting mechanisms that will not steer a person wrong, while
music and laughter are very good medicine for the soul in allowing God’s purpose and healing to
take place. In allowing the person in which the crisis has directly impacted participant in his/her
recovery in such ways as administering acts of kindness and deeds for others who may have
experienced somewhat of the same trauma. This strategy allows the person to feel needed and
not isolated and alone. As if there are others who empathize and really understand their pain. In
which the individual is not just on the receiving end but also giving to others in which gives the
hope of God’s greater purpose and plan for working through a crisis. In faith, the aspect of
everything leading back to God’s greater purpose is more accepting in that the person will feel
closer to God as his servant. Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Application
References
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As a Pastor for over 16 years, I recently received information that one of my most active
and devoted members, Mrs. Sally lost her husband and son in a tragic accident this morning. As
information is unfolding, it has been released that this specific member is, now, not coping well
with the sudden tragedy which has hit her family. As the Pastor of the church, me and a few more
members decided to become a support group for Mrs. Sally through this transitional time of
hopefully providing her with the comfort and love of God which surpasses all our understanding
through the leading of his “Holy Spirit” in recovery after such a devastated lost. We set an
appointed time for visitation with Mrs. Sally at her home, first, just to offer comfort, prayer, and
condolences. Over a few months, we strategically set a time each day, as one of the support
group members would individually call an offer to pray with sister Sally. Upon on suggestion,
when she’s ready, I, the Pastor offered private counseling session to where Mrs. Sally will be
able to speak, release, and share anything or emotion that’s on her heart. While it will be the
perfect time to offer prayer, comfort, wisdom, and guidance through the word of God in which is
the path to the Source in which the healing comes from. Over the months, Mrs. Sally has shown
my bravery in maintaining and impactful life after such a crisis within her family. She now
ministers to grieving families and administers the support within the Faith community that
individuals or families may need within a sudden tragedy or crisis within their lives. She
continually thanks the support group for the prayers, counseling sessions, and comforts that was
granted to her for it is according to her what restored her life and faith in God.
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Stone, H.W., Cross, D. R., Purvis, K. B., and Young, M. J. (2004). A study of church members
during times of crisis. Pastoral Psychology, Vol. 52, (5) pp. 405-42
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