Stanley Hagemeyer has drawn on his extensive experience--as a pastor, teacher and trainer--to provide a practical guide for those who want to learn how to care for people who are suffering. I recommend Courage to Care as an important resource to pastors and laymen alike. --Jarrett Richardson, MD, Psychiatrist and Hospice/Palliative Care Clinician, Rochester, Minnesota
Reverend Stan Hagemeyer has captured the essence of what it takes to reach out to the lost and broken people around us, which could actually be any of us. From his experience in ministry, combined with the stories of those who have discovered deep joy in giving care, this book is a treasure of insight, guidance and wisdom. In the words of Ezekiel 3:3, "Eat this scroll." --Craig Smith, MS Clinical Psychology, Manistee, Michigan
When we accompany those who suffer and provide presence, we journey with them straight into the heart of Jesus, a man acquainted with sorrow and suffering. Through this book, Stanley Hagemeyer has issued a gracious invitation to do that hard, holy work with practical tools to guide us. --Dr. Hilary Applequist, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner and Professor, Omaha, Nebraska
Courage to Care is the kind of guidance we all so desperately need when those we know and love are facing life's biggest challenges. It answers the question of how we come alongside others in healthy and helpful ways, without being overwhelmed ourselves. I highly recommend this as a primary resource for both the individual and the congregational care team. -- Keith J. Foisy, DMin, Ludington, Michigan
Stan Hagemeyer's book is excellent for those getting started with caregiving. I also found in it the language of caregiving that helps me express why I have found much joy and great reward in this practice for over forty years. It's a practice that finds both giver and receiver vulnerable, available, and in a position to find healing of all sorts. Read it, teach it, practice it, share it. You will thank Stan for being your guide. --Robert Braman, MDiv, PhD, Stanton, Michigan
In a world where so many feel disconnected from authentic community, this book offers a bridge to deep, intimate relationships that can sustain us through even the hardest times. I cannot recommend it more highly! --Rev. Dr. Doug Resler, Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Parker, Colorado
Courage to Care is a must read for anyone who has ever felt pain or cared for someone who does--and that is everyone! I wish I had this book when I was in seminary, and I intend to make it known to the hundreds of seminary students I work with now! Stan Hagemeyer's wisdom is sage and his counsel is empowering. --Dr. Timothy Brown, Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan
As a pastor, I'm always on the hunt for practical tools which will enable me to do ministry more effectively. This book provides not just one or two care-ministry tools, but it is really a whole toolbox full--complete with practical and biblical instructions in their utilization. Further, this book isn't the work of an academic ministry theoretician, but of a caring pastor who's been in the trenches. I am a pastor today in large part because of the positive caring example I saw in Stanley Hagemeyer. I'll be providing each member of my staff with their personal copy of this important book. John A. Houston, Lead Pastor, Point Harbor Church, Chesapeake, Virginia
