Thus, we can conclude that lament is not a regular feature in the worship services of churches on the Mid-Atlantic District. In summary, the research for this project demonstrated that while there is generally a satisfactory understanding of lament among the pastors of this district and an interest in learning more about it, it is not a topic that is regularly addressed in preaching or in practice. This, in spite of the fact that there is a high sense of the need for and value of lament for the people of their congregations. The results of the research were in line with the expectations that were held going into this project. There were no real surprises, though it was encouraging to see that the pastors surveyed had a good fundamental grasp of the essential elements of lament. At first it was somewhat surprising to see responses indicating that lament was a regular practice in their worship experiences given the low number of pastors who offer a service of lament. This anomaly in the numbers is better understood when we view the specific examples given of lament opportunities. The fact that most of these opportunities consisted of sharing and praying for specific requests, points to a narrow and generalized concept of a lament practice. The basic conclusions derived from the research are consistent with expectations. These observations not only give validity to the initial hypothesis of the project, but also demonstrate the need for developing a lament resource for pastors. Certainly there are significant theological and ecclesiological observations to be drawn from the study of lament, and the results of this research project in particular. As determined, the place of lament and openness to lament as a viable spiritual activity is largely dependent upon one's view of God. Our theological assumptions about what is appropriate speech when talking with God are tied to this understanding. For many
and fear. It is using the full biblical model and then coming to "the turn." "But, we are trusting you Lord. We are going to continue to thank you and praise you." It is also important to expand our understanding of lament to include areas other than the loss associated with death. Pastors need to realize and respect the broad range of issues over which their people may need to lament. People need to lament broken relationships, barrenness, miscarriage, divorce, the loss of a pet, the declines associated with aging, the loss of a job, children who are away from God, addictions, the loss of a dream, and so on. Acknowledging this need to lament, giving people the freedom to lament, and helping them be able to express their lament is a tremendous pastoral gift. A second pastoral care focus on lament revolves around the funeral. The pastor who is serious about encouraging lament needs to be intentional about bringing lament into the funeral. While this might seem like something that would happen automatically, there is a tendency among many Christians to assume that true faith means portraying a form of spiritual stoicism that views tears and grief as inappropriate or something for which a person needs to apologize. This attitude may be manifested in a variety of ways. A person may say, "We don't want to have a funeral; this needs to be a celebration." Now certainly for the Christian we do not "sorrow as those who have no hope" (I Thessalonians 4:13), but neither do we hope as those who have no sorrow. We understand what it means to be able to celebrate a life well lived when death invades our ranks, but these are times we also need to truly grieve the loss that we have experienced. We may even hear someone say, as one pastor shared, "I don't want any tears at this funeral." The pastor may need to be the one to ensure that there is a place for lament when people are facing death and that the voice of lament is heard in the funeral service and message.
information to that end, but has also engaged 130 pastors about this vital topic and has challenged them to develop additional opportunities for lament in their local settings. It has also provided a framework and continuing conversations with other pastors, churches, and districts about the critical need for engaging the church more fully in the practices of lament. May more pastors and congregations see the need to provide dedicated opportunities for corporate lament and to give people space, permission and language to express the cries of their heart. May the church not rush the process, but allow sorrow to be expressed. And while there is the need to offer words of comfort and hope, may we take the time to sit awhile and join them in their sorrow. May we share in their burdens, their woe, and allow for another to flow "the sympathizing tear."