Few people would doubt the place of the church in caring for those in need. In recent times our society has become increasingly aware of its vulnerability to loss and large-scale devastation through disasters of human and natural origin.

Until this time, very little has been written to address the issues of ministry in such circumstances. Little preparation in relation to trauma ministry has been given to church-based caregivers in their ministry training and little has been passed on from those who have experience to share.

This book, 'Ministry in Disaster Settings - Lessons from the Edge', came about through interviews with ministers and others who have shared the grace of God in the most intense of circumstances, specifically in major Australian disasters. It explores the realities of such ministry and its effect on ministry agents and explores the issues of post-traumatic stress and recovery. It brings some important lessons to bear on all ministry agents and those who care for them.

 

"Ministry in Disaster Settings" awarded joint Second Prize in the Australian Christian Book of the Year 2007.

The Australian Christian Literature Society is a special Unit of Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge-Australia (SPCK-A).   Each year this unit assesses numerous Christian books for the honour of the title "Australian Christian Book of the Year". For 2007, Ministry in Disaster Settings: Lessons from the Edge" was shortlisted with eight other titles.On August 29 it was announced that it had received joint second prize along with MIchael Frost's "Exiles".  For more information  Click here

TELEVISION AND RADIO INTERVIEWS WITH THE AUTHOR

CURRENT INTERVIEWS

ABC Local Radio broadcast with John Cleary on his Sunday Night program. Entitled "Bushfires and God" this program explored the issues of theodicy.  This broadcast was held on Sunday 15th February at 11pm.   For the podcast click here.

ARCHIVED INTERVIEWS

ABC Radio National broadcast an interview with the author of "Ministry in Disaster Settings", Rev. Dr. Stephen Robinson, and Glenn Cumbers, whose story from the Port Arthur shootings is one of those told in the book.  This interview was on "The Spirit of Things" with
Rachael Kohn  heard on Sunday October 14th and Tuesday 16th, 2007. For details of this interview, and a link to the transcript click here.

The same night (at 10.30pm) Stephen Robinson had a live radio interview on Sheridan Voysey's program "Open House" on the issue of Disaster Chaplaincy.  This was broadcast on Heart 103.2 FM in Sydney and across a wide network of Christian Radio Stations throughout Australia.  For a podcast of this interview, click here.

Wesley Mission's program "Rise and Shine" broadcast an interview conducted by Rev. Keith Garner, superintendent of Wesley Mission, Sydney and Rev. Dr. Stephen Robinson.  This program,was broadcast on Channel 9 at 5.30am on Sunday August 2nd, 2008 related issues of Stephen's work with Emergency Service Chaplaincy,and issues of the role of the church in disaster situations.  For information click this link to Rise and Shine.

 

 

Want to know more about the book? Send your query to sales@emergencyministry.com.au

Or download the "Ministry in Disaster Settings" brochure