Book Review: Souls in the Hands of a Tender God

Souls in the Hands of a Tender God is a beautifully written, highly readable, inspiring book, authored by the Rev. Dr. Craig Rennebohm, a United Church of Christ Pastor and Chaplain.

Craig artfully interweaves the spiritual, biological and medical aspects of living with brain disorders commonly known as mental illness. He shares deeply moving parables from his two decades of “companioning” persons with these disorders in his congregations and on the streets of Seattle, and from his own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Through sharing his life experiences, the author has gifted the reader with a practical vision of God’s unconditional love and the ever-present power of a healing presence in all our lives, as well as concrete ways of living this out in our own spiritual walk.

As expressed by Craig Rennebohm, “It is my firm belief that in the act of becoming true neighbors to one another, we find the capacities to address local, national and world issues such as poverty and conflict, and find within ourselves the grace to develop the skills and strategies that make possible a world of peace and justice.”

To learn more about this life-changing book, the author’s ministry and ways to engage the principles of companioning in your own life and your congregation’s life, go to www.tendergod.com. To find more resources on ministry with persons coping with brain disorders, see www.congregationalresources.org/mentalhealth.asp.

Dr. Rennebohm serves as the United Church of Christ Mental Illness Network (www.min-ucc.org) representative on the board of the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries (www.uccdm.org).

The Rev. Norma Mengel, Reviewer