ABSTRACT
This essay examines the pastoral and church implications of resilience for ministry in a postmodern, trauma-filled world. Postmodernity has brought about a breakdown in the worldview of individuals that disconnects them from a Christian metanarrative. At the same time, technology has increased exposure to traumatic events via social media, television, and other sources. Because of sin, trauma fills the world and individuals are impacted. Yet God provides his promises and his strength for believers as they live in a trauma-filled world. The biblical themes of shalom and flourishing are explored to show that God provides those to individuals in the middle of their trials and sufferings. Pastors, churches, and clinicians are uniquely equipped to help individuals establish resilience skills. The ministry of churches are also important because they can be a source of the biblical qualities of shalom and flourishing to a hurting world.
