In Part 1, we looked at the intersection of pastoral care and victim care, uncovering potential dynamics for harm. We saw the value of naming and exposing darkness as pastors guide victims into the light of God’s truth. This post offers some recommendations for spiritual authorities as they seek to cultivate wisdom and skill for victim care.
Educate Yourself
It takes courage for a victim to share even a small part of his or her story. [1] It must be received with grace, reflection, and follow-up. It is not a victim’s job to educate the church on how to care for them. It is the pastor’s responsibility to be fully versed in Scripture, and in the unique sufferings of their congregation. Not because pastors must be “relevant,” but because Christians are called to welcome the vulnerable without putting obstacles in their way (Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42). If a pastor wants his people to see Jesus, he must not block their view.
Competent victim care usually requires a basic knowledge of trauma. [2] Jesus sympathizes perfectly (Heb. 4:15), but humans do not. We have to learn things. Growing in trauma-awareness will involve searching Scriptural narratives: how does God speak
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