Trauma and Coping Mechanisms among Assemblies of God World Missionaries
Towards a Biblical Theory of Well-Being
- Evangelism & Missions
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
Trauma, from the fall of Adam and Eve forward impacts human lives in overpowering ways. A review of the lives of biblical personalities and missionaries reveals shared traumatic experiences. In addition to the stress of cultural adjustment, missionaries often live in contexts of violence, political unrest, economic instability, natural disasters, and relational conflict. The examined biblical personalities faced similar issues, yet a majority coped with trauma in ways that led to well-being. The proposed biblical theory of well-being assists missionaries to move deeper in their trust of God by utilizing the coping skills of the biblical personalities including asking God for help, lifting up their praise and worship to God, standing on a sense of call, working with God, lamenting/venting to God in healthy ways, embracing a theology of suffering, and accepting assistance from friends and family. The adherence to the constructs of this theory protects missionaries from the ravages of psychological trauma by avoiding negative coping and developing positive coping skills that lead to trusting in the only One who gives hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
Endorsements (4)
“In clear, discerning language, Rance interweaves theological reflection, social analysis, and psychological research to create a volume that is an invaluable resource for church and mission alike.”
“Whether in her many years of deep, personal experience during the Salvadoran Civil War or her extensive travels around the world in training global missionaries, . . . Rance has seen it all. Her scholarly analysis of the coping mechanisms of God’s most courageous apostles in situations of trauma brings discipline, technique, and rigor to this very important and perennial missiological theme.”
“Well-researched and eye-opening, this significant research unpacks the hitherto unexplored realities of trauma on mission practitioners, while also providing practical, biblical coping mechanisms for those who have experienced trauma. This is a must-read for everyone involved in the sending, training, and care of cross-cultural workers!”
“With the passion of a career missionary and the therapeutic insight of a professional counselor, Rance has done what few can do. She has laid the foundations of a path to post-traumatic growth for the international heroes of our faith. The life of an international missionary is culturally disruptive, personally stressful, and potentially traumatic. Rance’s excellent work shows us how those disruptions do not have to be career terminating but become missionally transforming.”
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