The importance of this study on the ministry of encouragement is derived from two facts that are prevalent in the church today: (1) People are hurting more deeply than we may know, and (2) only a relationship with Jesus Christ and His body will provide the necessary resources to substantially heal us now and perfectly heal us forever. Every church, whatever its distinctive emphasis, needs the ministry of encouragement because its presence in the body life of a congregation creates the atmosphere for knowing Christ in life-affirming and life-changing ways. The absence of this ministry creates an atmosphere that makes it more difficult to release the redeeming power and glory of God in and through the ministry of a congregation to a hurting world.