The Seelsorger Cares for Survivors' Souls: Burden or Blessing?

Abstract

What can a pastor do? What can he say? When a person who comes to him and reveals the painful scars seared into the mind and body, they surely expect help. As the pastor listens to the details surrounding the trauma survivor’s story, he will want to give that person the sweet relief that only God’s Word can offer as he helps the hurting soul. However, in his zeal to help administer pastoral care, a pastor can find himself in a dangerous place. If he is not careful, the effects that trauma has on survivors can consume him. Pastors need to understand how to faithfully balance serving God’s people without becoming absorbed by the trauma that their people endure. This paper will investigate the sensitive topic of spiritual care for trauma survivors. It will look to God’s Word to bring a message of comfort and healing to wounded souls and how God’s Word fills pastors with joy as they carry out their noble tasks by glorifying God and “Be shepherds” to their flock.