”Preachers Grieve” with Rev. Dr. Tony Cartledge

2021-07-05

Losing someone is painful. Often, the best route through that pain is to talk about it. But what if you're a preacher? Is talking about the pain of grief ok? Is it "safe" to speak about the questions and frustrations of loss in front of those you serve--especially if you're the one who's supposed to be the "pillar of strength" who has all the answers? In Dr. Tony Cartledge's case, the answer was, "Yes." Tony suffered a tragic loss decades ago when he and his daughter, Bethany, were hit by a...

Losing someone is painful. Often, the best route through that pain is to talk about it.

But what if you're a preacher? Is talking about the pain of grief ok? Is it "safe" to speak about the questions and frustrations of loss in front of those you serve--especially if you're the one who's supposed to be the "pillar of strength" who has all the answers?

In Dr. Tony Cartledge's case, the answer was, "Yes." Tony suffered a tragic loss decades ago when he and his daughter, Bethany, were hit by a drunk driver; sadly, Bethany didn't survive. A pastor at the time, Tony had to navigate his grief while serving a congregation. His story is one of love, patience, and grace, and in many ways it demonstrates how pastors and their congregations can work through dark and painful situations together.

In addition to pastoring churches, Tony has written several books and currently serves as a Professor of Old Testament at Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, NC, and writes articles and curriculum for Good Faith Media (formerly Nurturing Faith).

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