Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

CIU Adds Master’s Degrees in Chaplaincy

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To meet the growing need for chaplains in the United States, Columbia International University is now offering master’s degrees in chaplaincy. Beginning in the fall semester, students can begin working toward a Master of Divinity (Chaplaincy) or a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy in CIU Seminary & School of Ministry.

These degrees will equip students to minister in a variety of settings including military chaplaincy, institutional chaplaincy such as police chaplain or hospital chaplain, and organizational chaplaincy that focuses on the corporate world, sports and those involved in crisis management.

Dr. John Harvey, the associate dean of CIU Seminary & School of Ministry says the chaplain is playing an increasingly important role in today’s world.  “In an increasingly un-churched society, the chaplain is the person people turn to in a time of crisis,” Harvey said. Harvey also notes that CIU is strategically located for a variety of chaplaincy work.

“The chaplain school for all branches of the U.S. armed forces is now at Fort Jackson in Columbia,” Harvey said. “Plus, Columbia has four major hospitals, several penal institutions, and is an educational, cultural and business center. There is a wide open door for corporate and sports chaplaincy work.”

Columbia International University Seminary & School of Ministry is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

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