Podcast: Dealing With the Shock of Tragedy

NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio — In an effort to address the shock of a seemingly unrelenting stream of breaking news on Saturday, July 13 as events unfolded at a rally for former President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Elders at South Main Church of Christ believe it is an appropriate moment to discuss the potential emotional impacts on the people of our community.

The Elders believe the act of political violence warranted a conversation not connected to a Sunday worship service. For this key moment in time for our nation, the Elders turn to our up-and-coming podcasting efforts to address what many in our community may be feeling at this uncertain junction in time.

The Elders seek to provide a greater perspective from a Biblical and theological point of view.

To be clear, the Elders at South Main Church of Christ find the acts of violence at the Trump rally on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania to be unspeakable, unacceptable and squarely against the teachings of the Holy Bible.


When the world seems bigger than God

If you are depressed

If you are losing confidence in people

When in sorrow

When you worry


If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.


This podcast is hosted by Jarrod Allen, webmaster and sound technician for South Main Church of Christ, with emphasis on Jim Lanning and Tom Sheppard, both serving as Elders at the church. Our Elder, Ernie Starling, was unable to participate in today’s conversation.

Jim and Tom address the matter from a perspective of Scripture, how they believe adults can process this horrific event, and how to help children process it.


It is the second podcast produced by the church.

The first was March 31, 2024, to commemorate the Sunday which the world celebrates as Easter.

More podcasts are planned in the second half of 2024 and beyond.

Please send comments or questions to: tech@southmainchurchofchristnewlex.org

Thank you