Trauma and Coping Mechanisms among Assemblies of God world missionaries: Toward a Biblical Theory of Well-being

by Valerie A. Rance

Publisher:

Pickwick Publications

, 2021

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Exposes the coping skills of the biblical personalities including asking God for help.
• Examines biblical personalities faced similar issues.
• Encourages accepting assistance from friends and family.

Praise for the Print Edition

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.

—Robert L. Gallagher, Professor emeritus of Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School

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.

—Joseph Castleberry, President, Northwest University

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!

—Sarita Gallagher Edwards, author of Breaking through the Boundaries: God’s Mission from the Outside In

Product Details

• Title: Trauma and Coping Mechanisms among Assemblies of God World Missionaries: Towards a Biblical Theory of Well-Being
• Author: Valerie A. Rance
• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 332
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• ISBNs: 9781725289604, 9781725289581, 9781725289598, 1725289601, 172528958X, 1725289598
• Resource ID: LLS:9781725289604
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-18T20:03:18Z

About Valerie A. Rance

Valerie A. Rance and her husband are appointed Assemblies of God World Missions missionaries. They served in El Salvador (1984–2004) and at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) and Latin America (2005–present). Valerie has a BA in Ministerial/Psychology from Bethany Bible College, a MA in Counseling, and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from AGTS. Along with teaching at several AG Universities, Valerie continues to train and counsel missionaries around the world.