Holy Space

Worship and Proclamation in the Liminal Space of Post-Disaster and Pre-Recovery

Abstract

When catastrophic hurricanes make landfall, indiscriminately destroying whatever is in their path, whole communities are impacted. Within these communities, now indelibly marked by trauma from natural disasters, are congregations who gather every Sabbath for worship. These congregations are led by pastors marked by trauma from the hurricane alongside the members who will gather. This article explores how, in the immediate aftermath of trauma from natural disasters, the function of the sermon is impacted within the larger liturgical setting of worship. In addition, it explores what tools preachers can utilize amid trauma to allow for the community to grieve such that they may experience God’s grace through worship and heal over time.