When Ministry Hurts: Triumphalism and the Crisis of Trauma Among Clergy

Pentecostal clergy are among a group of professionals who may suffer from personal trauma and may also be susceptible to vicarious trauma. Pentecostal theology does not have adequate resources to help clergy persons amid trauma to aid in comprehending what they are going through, especially when there is no relief from the traumatic symptoms for the sufferer. This phenomenological study and theological analysis reveals that there is a triumphalistic attitude within Pentecostalism that does not adequately prepare pastors to understand or cope with trauma. The way forward is for clergy to understand trauma not through traditional Pentecostal theology but by incorporating Martin Luther's theologia crucis and his practice of lament into existing Pentecostal theology and praxis. Consideration of literature on trauma studies, Pentecostal theology, and Luther's theology of the cross and his practice of lament are utilized to highlight the need and the suggested remedy.