When Ministry Hurts
Triumphalism and the Crisis of Trauma among Clergy
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2024
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Publisher's Description
Pentecostal clergy are among a group of professionals who may suffer from personal trauma and may also be susceptible to vicarious trauma. Pentecostal theology does not have adequate resources to help clergy persons amid trauma to aid in comprehending what they are going through, especially when there is no relief from the traumatic symptoms for the sufferer. This phenomenological study and theological analysis reveals that there is a triumphalistic attitude within Pentecostalism that does not adequately prepare pastors to understand or cope with trauma. The way forward is for clergy to understand trauma not through traditional Pentecostal theology but by incorporating Martin Luther's theologia crucis and his practice of lament into existing Pentecostal theology and praxis. Consideration of literature on trauma studies, Pentecostal theology, and Luther's theology of the cross and his practice of lament are utilized to highlight the need and the suggested remedy.
Endorsements (3)
“Dale Sanger has addressed a critical question for those—especially leaders—whose experience of the Christian life fails to live up to an upbeat narrative of healing and blessing. Using Martin Luther’s theology of the cross as a corrective to Pentecostal triumphalism, Sanger offers hope for those who long for a way forward amid crushing realities of life and ministry.”
“Most every pastor experiences some kind of trauma as a result of performing their ministerial duties as well as through various personal experiences. If the minister is embedded in a tradition that emphasizes a triumphalist theology, their ability to process trauma can be highly challenging. This book provides a response to that challenge and offers hope to those clergy who are looking for a constructive way to process the trauma that ministry and life sometimes inflict upon them.”
“As a leader of a fellowship of Pentecostal churches and ministers I found it worthwhile to engage the data and observations of Dale Sanger’s study of colleagues who have experienced deep hurt as part of their ministry experience. The interaction he provides between the results of the survey with phenomenology and practical theology provides a fresh way to ponder the experiences of others and to look at potential ways to broaden the supportive teaching and resources that are made available.”
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