Recovering from Un-Natural Disasters: A Guide for Pastors and Congregations after Violence and Trauma

Recovering from Un-Natural Disasters is a must-read handbook for pastors and church leaders of communities who could or perhaps already have experienced an un-natural disaster, such as gun violence, suicides, or sexual abuse.

Unlike natural disasters, un-natural disasters deal with the concept of sin and require a different recovery strategy. In this book, readers will explore the four phases of human-caused disaster Devastation and Heroism, Disillusionment, Reforming, and Wisdom and receive step-by-step suggestions to use with their faith community during the recovery process. Example worship resources, including prayers, music suggestions, and sermons that are appropriate to use during periods of trauma and recovery, are included.

Laurie Kraus is the Associate Mission Director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She is a teaching elder with more than thirty years of pastoral experience and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional.

David Holyan is Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood in St. Louis, Missouri, an adjunct professor at Eden Seminary, and a member of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance's National Response Team.

Bruce Wismer serves as Co-pastor at Pine Shores Presbyterian in Sarasota, Florida, along with his wife, Karen. He is a member of the National Response Team of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and a certified Compassion Fatigue Professional.