The Dual Presence of God: A Dialogue on Suffering and Healing with Dr. Pam Engelbert

Hey everyone, welcome back to Ask A Theologian! I apologize for the hiatus—my wife and I are in the midst of transitioning out from our roles as lead pastors, and things have been hectic. But onward we go! Today, I'm excited to have Dr. Pam Engelbert join us. She's a practical theologian and Pentecostal minister who focuses on grief support, among other roles. We delve into her book, 'Who's Present in Absence,' which adds rich perspective on God and suffering. Pam shares her journey of grappling with unmet expectations of God in ministry and how it led her to explore the complex ways Pentecostals experience God's presence and absence in times of suffering. Through interviews and research, she uncovered different types of divine presence—everything from intense moments of intervention to the sustaining presence of God in the midst of extended suffering. We also touched upon reactions from church communities, both helpful and unhelpful, and how presence and practical support often outweigh spoken words. We wrap up by discussing how her expanded view of divine healing informs a broader understanding that goes beyond the miraculous, touching on everyday interactions as sacred opportunities to participate in God’s healing work. It's an enriching conversation that especially resonates with anyone facing deep questions about suffering and faith.