As a Practical Theology student, I’m looking at the intersection or better still the integration of church care and healing.
The emphasis of one should never be at the expense of the other. Whereas care can be intentionally carried out by creating presence to the suffering and provision for physical needs that may arise during suffering and pain. Healing on the other part is a gift of the spirit and an authority of believers to lay hands, anoint the sick and heal them.
The 18th Century founder of Methodism, John Wesley saw healing of physical and spiritual ills as a central part of Christian ministry and published a popular book on curing disease (Wesley 1960). (William 2002:97), states that Healing intersects with caring. Transformational towards wholeness in any realm often happens in the context of compassionately administered care. Caring may include practical help such as food, transportation, and housework. Or it may mean emotional and spiritual presence to people suffering ill health.
My conclusion to this discourse is that the Ecclesia is called to compassionate care as members of the same body. The Ecclesia should as well exercise the authority of scripture for divine healing. The process should maintain that it’s the Lord who heals and his body cares for its parts.
The body, which is us the members of the church, does not stay in denial in case illness persists or make empty confessions that drag people into depression when reality and positivism are irreconcilable. The care on its part must maintain a faith that understands the supremacy of divinity and divine healing,
This integration makes the body (Ecclesia), functional and relevant. It admits God’s sovereignty should a member succumb to an illness or death happen in the family. The care button should be automated in the event of pain and suffering, the care process should push a button for divine healing of emotional pain and massage that process through a practical presence and provision to the affected member.
Eugene
Practical Theology
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