One in five pregnancies in the United States ends in miscarriage,stillbirth, or neonatal death (Hutti, Armstrong & Myers, 2013; Stratton and Lloyd (2008). While we do not know if that percentage is precisely the same among persons in congregations in the United States, we know that religion and spirituality are positively associated with bereavement outcomes (Becker, Xander, & Blum, 2007; Chowchock, Ellestad, Medor, Koenig, Hooton, & Swamy, 2011). The literature also suggests that there has been some improvement in recent years in congregational response to grief, though not specifically to perinatal loss (Garland & Yancey, 2014). This annotated bibliography includes a review of eighteen books and articles on the intersection of perinatal loss and grief with religion and spirituality, including religious ritual and ministry. This article is Part Two of a series of two addressing perinatal loss and grief. The literature comes from both secular and church-based sources, providing diverse insights into perinatal grief and the context of spiritual care. The growing awareness of perinatal grief includes the response of hospitals and health care professionals. The role of chaplains in medical settings over the past several decades provides a model for bereavement care in perinatal death. These responses and others are the focus of religious and spiritual needs and resources for families experiencing perinatal loss. The focus of Part One of the series is to explore societal responses in general to perinatal grief, the usefulness of various assessment tools, and specific perinatal grief responses of mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents. The focus of this article, Part Two, is to explore spiritual issues and responses related to perinatal grief.

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This annotated bibliography includes a review of twenty-two books and articles on loss and grief related to miscarriage and stillbirth experiences. The literature includes both scholarly articles and personal reflections, surveying social responses to perinatal grief, the usefulness of various assessment tools, and specific perinatal grief responses of various family members. These resources include information for understanding the experience of perinatal loss and recommendations for responses to those who are grieving. While the number of resources and the amount of literature available on this topic has increased in the past fifteen years, there continues to be significant silence in the general culture in response to perinatal death. Nevertheless, the response over the past several decades has been encouraging, especially concerning the role of chaplains in medical settings. The literature suggests that there is still work to do to give voice to the perinatal grief experience and to provide resources for those who experience the painful loss of a pregnancy or infant. 

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Humans have a basic need to feel loved, valued, and part of a supportive community. Psychologists call the fulfillment of these needs “social support,” and its experience is associated with numerous important outcomes across psychosocial development. In this article, we explore the local church as a potential source of social support for school-aged children. We interviewed 20 church-going children between the ages of 6 and 13 to find out how they experience social support at church. We then categorized and summarized their responses to offer insight to ministry leaders who desire to create a “kid-friendly” church community.

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Bowen Family Systems Theory has valuable application for pastoral care and congregational health. Bowen Theory bases its paradigm on the idea that individuals can only be understood in the context of their nuclear and extended families, which function as interlocking “emotional units.” The health of these networks affects how individuals and groups respond to anxieties: instinctively or rationally. Many writers have explored the applicability of Bowen Theory to congregations. This article, in particular, calls for increased awareness of Bowen Theory among clergy, as they grapple with the personal, familial, and congregational anxieties that the challenges of the 21st century will bring. Hopefully, pastors will continue to explore the resources of Bowen Theory through seminary education, continuing education programs, and personal study.

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This case study highlights the asset-based, emergent planning process of a multi-congregation partnership that developed and coordinated a summer meals program in San Angelo, Texas. The congregations provided volunteers, space, and food by coordinating the lunch program based on each congregation's resources and capacity, neighborhood location, and established relationships and networks. Their attentiveness to cultural context, congregational capacity, and community input allowed for successful congregational collaboration and program planning. A literature review of congregational resources and program planning methods precedes the narrative and is followed by further implications for congregations.

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We travel around the world speaking to and consulting with church leaders about ways to re-imagine ministry with children and teens. It seems that everywhere we go, people share with us that they want to do more to foster intergenerational community. Whether they are making use of particular ministry models like Messy Church or LOGOS or they are simply hosting events that are open to people of all ages, more and more congregations are recognizing the importance of intergenerational relationships for faith formation with all people. In this article, we will explore the dynamics of intergenerational community, looking not only at how to cultivate relationships across generations but also why this matters in the first place.

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Though pastors face countless challenges in the work they are called to do, many find ways to overcome their trials and ultimately thrive in their profession. The current qualitative study was designed to examine the careers of experienced clergy to better understand factors contributing to their success. Sixteen such individuals participated in structured interviews focusing on their ministry; and the two most prominent themes that emerged, support systems and self-care practices, communicated the strength of their narratives. The unique insights provided may be beneficial to newer clergy or to those contemplating a clerical vocation.

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This literature review is an analysis of eight books that address how to develop and sustain multicultural congregations. Keeping in mind the challenges to the development of a multicultural worshiping community, this review highlights key statements and ideas that may benefit the church as it strives to depict a more accurate picture of the Kingdom through worship. It provides case studies and guides that will assist pastors, staffs, and congregations who feel a divine prompting toward an intentionally multicultural, multiethnic Christian witness to the world.

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