Pastoral Care for Survivors of a Traumatic Death

Modern life has led to an increase in traumatic deaths, such as accidents, murders, suicide, and other types of unanticipated, violent death. Family members and friends grieving a traumatic death face enormous shock, numbness, and despair, as well as the need to find hope and God's mercy and grace in the midst of chaos, difficult questions, and confusion. The Christian church and faith community often do not provide appropriate pastoral care to help the bereaved overcome their despair.

Jeonghyun Park explores the unique characteristics and dynamics of traumatic grief, or grief in response to traumatic death, and present several approaches to pastoral care. The survivors of a traumatic death are likely to ask pastors spiritually despairing and tough questions, such as, Where is God in this tragic death? If we have to accept this new reality, where can we find God's grace and mercy, power, and justice? Pastors and other spiritual leaders can provide comfort to the loved ones of victims of traumatic death by assisting them with their questions concerning a ""helpless God"" and a ""cruel God."" This book offers new insights through specific pastoral care models and guidance for families needing healing, recovery, and meaningful rituals.

Jeonghyun Park is an ordained elder of the California Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as pastor of Fair Oaks United Methodist Church in California. He has served as a hospital chaplain at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, and he has also completed a doctoral program in pastoral care and counseling at San Francisco Theological Seminary.