Category: Principles of Medical Ministry
Principles of medical missionary work.
The Literature on Religious Faith and Healing
John Torquato, MD
Do We Have Examples In The Literature That Show A Connection Between Faith and Healing? Research has consistently shown that religious faith can play a significant role in the physical healing process. Several studies suggest that spirituality and religious involvement can lead to better health outcomes, including improved immune function, reduced stress levels, and enhanced… Read more
A Sacred vs Secular Approach To Healtcare
John Torquato, MD
The Target You Focus On Makes All The Difference. Just Ask The Bull. In the realm of healthcare, there are two distinct approaches: secular, commercial medicine and medical ministry. The difference between these two is not simply a matter of treatment methods or technology; rather, it is a fundamental divergence in focus and philosophy. Secular… Read more
The Difference Between Secular, Commercial Medicine and Medical Ministry
John Torquato, MD
In the realm of healthcare, two distinct approaches exist: secular, commercial medicine and medical ministry. Both share a common goal of helping patients achieve better health, but their methods, depth, and ultimate impact differ significantly. While secular medicine is grounded in science and behavioral change, medical ministry extends beyond the physical, reaching into the deeper… Read more
Where To Find Power For Change? The Holy Spirit.
John Torquato, MD
As we try to help people change their lifestyles, we often face the question: where do we find the power for true and lasting change? The answer to this question is crucial for every person seeking to change their lifestyles. Many have a lifelong history of poor health habits and inherited and cultivated tendencies that… Read more
“Don’t Tell Anyone”
John Torquato, MD
Guarding the Vision: Lessons in Sacrifice and Trust With Advice I Never Expected. It was a warm afternoon as I strolled across the campus of Loma Linda University, my alma mater. The familiar paths felt both nostalgic and inspiring. I had graduated medical school, completed my residency, and now worked in the job I had… Read more
Project RESTORE: An Example of Gospel Medical Missionary Evangelism
John Torquato, MD
Merging Medicine and Ministry for Transformational Evangelism In the early 1990s, Pastor Jim Brackett and his wife Neva embarked on a bold and innovative initiative that would bridge the gap between physical healing and spiritual restoration. Their Project RESTORE (Reaching Seattle for Eternity) in Seattle became a model of how medicine and ministry could work together to… Read more
John H.N. Tindall: A Pioneer of Gospel-Medical Missionary Evangelism.
John Torquato, MD
The life and work of Elder John H.N. Tindall stand as a testament to the power of blending health reform and evangelism to reach and transform communities. Over a career spanning decades, Tindall’s innovative methods influenced the trajectory of medical missionary work, setting a standard for generations of Seventh-day Adventists to follow. Ellen Whites Medical… Read more
Young People Can Do Amazing Things If They Are Given Amazing Things to Do
John Torquato, MD
The mission of medical ministry is a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of pastors, physicians, and the entire church community. Together, these three groups form the legs of a sturdy stool. If any leg is missing, the mission falters. Within the church, one leg of this stool, a vibrant and dynamic component, is the… Read more
The Power of the Pastoral Vision
John Torquato, MD
I Want This City… The role of a pastor in leading God’s people is unique and profound. Pastors often underestimate the power of their vision—visions inspired by God to bring health, healing, and salvation to their communities. The pastoral vision is not born of personal ambition or pride but of divine inspiration, cultivated through communion… Read more
The Power Of The Pastoral Call.
John Torquato, MD
Do Not Underestimate The Power of the Pastoral Call. It Can Inspire Others To Join In Gods Mission Pastors wield an incredible power that they often do not recognize—the power of calling others to join them in ministry. Their voices, empowered by the Holy Spirit, resonate in ways that reach deep into the hearts of… Read more