A Pastoral Concern and A Bible Class on suicide

Sudden death is a very grieving and shocking reality that many people have to contend with.  That shock and grief is intensified tremendously when the sudden death is by means of suicide.  Even Christians have committed suicide, which adds questions and bewilderment to the grief and pain.

What does one say?  How do the loved ones cope?  What comfort can be given to them?

During the Wednesdays in May, we will consider these challenges, based on the book And She Was a Christian.  The book was written by Rev. Peter Preus who had to personally grapple with all of this after his wife committed suicide which resulted from severe depression. 

What this class will not do:  The pastor is not a psychiatrist.  Therefore, he will not attempt to diagnose or cure mental illness.  The pastor is not God.  Therefore, he will not make judgments about individuals' eternal fate.  The pastor is not omnipotent.  Therefore, he cannot prevent anyone from attempting suicide.  The pastor is not omniscient.  Therefore, while he would like to give answers to every mystery, he cannot reveal everything.

What this class will do:  The pastor is obligated to proclaim what the word of the Lord says--both to expose sin and to proclaim God's grace to the sinner.  He will declare God's promises bring consolation to the grieving.  He will offer encouragement through God's word so that those who attend can offer comfort to others who are grieving.  He will direct you to where God has spoken and gives answers, but he will have to remain silent where God has chosen to remain silent. 

If you would like to order a copy of the book prior to our class, you may contact Pastor Schroeder to request a copy by April 21, 2019.  The cost is $25 per copy.  They will be distributed at church on Sunday, April 28 or when you come to class.  The class schedule is here:

And She Was a Christian

A Bible Study

Wednesdays in May (7:00 – 9:00 PM)

May 1
I. Introduction:  “Why Did He Do It?!”
1.  What do all suicides have in common?
2.  How is the suicide of a Christian a most troubling paradox?
3.  How does one deal with suicide’s stigma?

May 8
II. In Search of Someone to Blame
4.  Shall I blame my loved one who took his life?
5.  Shall I blame someone in my family?
6.  Did God give him too much?
7.  Was God making the best of a bad situation?
8.  Is it my fault he died?!
9.  How do I get past the nagging “If I had only . . .!”?

May 15
III. The Case against the Suicide
Suicide and Faith
10. What is faith, what is its source, and how does it save?
Faith’s Add-Ons
11.  Faith plus Obedience: Can a Christian choose what he knows to be wicked?
12.  Faith plus Reason: Can a Christian believe as he should if he cannot reason as he should?
13.  Faith plus Self-Esteem: Can a Christian believe in Christ if he cannot believe in himself?
14.  Faith plus Optimism: Can a Christian despair?

May 22
Suicide and Sin
15.  Did he really wish to die?  
16.  How did he get this way?
17.  But wasn’t he accountable?
18.  Is suicide the unforgivable sin?
19.  Did he have time to repent?

May 29
Suicide and Grace
20. How can a person remain a Christian if his illness is preventing him from hearing God’s Word?   
21.  How can I be sure he’s in heaven?