Recovering from un-natural disasters
a guide for pastors and congregations after violence …
Laurie Kraus
146 pages | ~4 hrs
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Learn MoreRecovering from un-natural disasters
a guide for pastors and congregations after violence and trauma
By Laurie Kraus
When tragedy strikes a faith community through human actions rather than natural forces, the path to healing requires a fundamentally different approach. Laurie Kraus presents a specialized guide for pastors and church leaders navigating the aftermath of what she terms "un-natural disasters" - devastating events like gun violence, suicide, or sexual abuse that shatter congregational life.
Unlike floods or earthquakes, these human-caused tragedies carry the weight of moral complexity and sin, demanding unique recovery strategies that address both spiritual and psychological wounds. Kraus outlines a comprehensive four-phase framework that communities typically experience: the initial period of Devastation and Heroism, followed by Disillusionment as reality sets in, then the challenging work of Reforming, and finally the emergence of hard-won Wisdom.
This practical handbook moves beyond theory to provide concrete tools for spiritual leaders. Readers will find detailed guidance for shepherding their communities through each phase of recovery, complete with worship resources specifically designed for times of trauma. The book includes carefully selected prayers, music recommendations, and sermon frameworks that honor both grief and hope.
For clergy and lay leaders who recognize that traditional disaster response falls short when facing human-caused suffering, this resource offers a thoughtful blend of pastoral wisdom and actionable strategies. Kraus creates a roadmap for communities seeking to rebuild not just their sense of safety, but their faith in the face of profound betrayal and loss.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
- ✓ Explore Violence, religious aspects
- ✓ Understand psychological principles
- ✓ Explore Suffering, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Psychology, religious
- ✓ Discover methods to reduce stress
- ✓ Explore Exposure to Violence -- psychology
- ✓ Explore Pastoral psychology
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2017
- Publisher
- Westminster John Knox Press
- ISBN-13
- 9780664262150
- ISBN-10
- 0664262155
- Pages
- 146
- Language
- EN
