Learning to Lament

Lamenting in the face of grief and loss is therapeutic. It is also theologically sound. 

So why then don’t we lament? Or at least, why don’t we lament well?

Not wanting to let the side down, we may buy into a stoical or even triumphant brand of Christianity. We forget to be human. Or we can confuse lamenting with its forbidden cousin, grumbling, which crosses a line. 

Paul Mallard will skillfully, through the Bible’s teaching, introduce us to key characters whom we can emulate. He will share from his own wealth of personal and pastoral experience, stirring us through two morning session to help our churches to expand our ministries to include lament. 

Paul Mallard is FIEC's Director for the West Midlands and the chair of FIEC's Theology Team, helping churches and leaders to think through the key theological challenges facing us in 21st Century Britain. Paul retired from full-time ministry at Widcombe Baptist Church in Bath in 2022 before starting his role at FIEC in early 2023. He has written many books including “Staying Fresh – Serving with Joy” & “Invest your Suffering”.