Understanding Trauma ebook

"This book was extremely helpful to me as I considered people I know who have been traumatized by grief, pain, and abuse. It was helpful to me as I considered how I could better relate to these people and others like them, extending to them the comfort and grace of God. It was helpful to me as both a pastor and a church member, one who longs for his church to lovingly support the ones among us who are bearing heavy burdens and carrying sore wounds.”

When faced with the complex pastoral needs of those who have expe- rienced trauma, we can err either by rushing forward to care for these sufferers without requisite knowledge and skill or by outsourcing all care to secular trauma specialists as if the church has little to offer. Steve’s wise and thoughtful book charts a better way. Working from the conviction that Scripture provides the deepest perspective on the experience of trauma, he summarizes current trauma research, builds a biblical understanding of the multifaceted suffering associated with trauma, and demonstrates in practical ways how the church can and must play a central role in the care of those who have endured extreme suffering and its aftermath.

All those seeking to support those who have experienced trauma should read this book. It is biblically rooted, medically accurate and practically helpful. I will be recommending this to all of our missionaries.

Compassion and courage are both necessary for anyone who wants to care for those who have been disoriented by trauma. Steve Midgley provides both to his readers. The wisdom found in this book will help church members and church leaders understand the experiences of people who have faced severe suffering, and give them courage to help those who are navigating the dark waters of trauma. 

Steve Midgley masterfully tackles the complexities of trauma with biblical wisdom, offering practical guidance for those caring for victims. His work is infused with the profound hope that both victims and churches long for. This book is essential for pastors, church leaders, and believers who seek to support trauma survivors with the same grace and compassion that Jesus extends to his suffering people. 

It takes skill and wisdom to tackle a complex topic and make it understandable and accessible for the average lay person. Steve has done that in this book; with his characteristic warmth and compassion, Steve provides a thoroughly biblical perspective on an issue we all need to grow in our understanding of. 

Our culture is increasingly alert to the reality and impact of trauma, so it is vital that the church becomes more trauma aware. There is no better guide than Steve Midgley. He has combined his expertise as a psychiatrist with his experience as a pastor and Bible teacher to produce a resource that will help churches and leaders become sensitive to others and avoid causing unintentional additional harm through ignorance. Packed with helpful case studies and biblical insight, it is accessible and readable, and should be essential reading for Christians wanting to care well for others.