Recovering from un-natural disasters

Recovering from un-natural disasters

By Laurie Kraus

Book Description

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.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)

📄 Length: 146 pages

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 Covered

Violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Violence, religious aspects Psychology Suffering, religious aspects Psychology, religious Post-traumatic stress disorder Exposure to Violence -- psychology Pastoral psychology Suffering -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Psychic trauma Pastoral Care Psychic trauma -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Exposure to Violence Religious aspects Counseling Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Suffering Violence Psychological Trauma Christianity Religious Psychology

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