Are We a Place for the Brokenhearted?

I’ve had the privilege of attending two conferences* on trauma this fall that have helped me understand more about trauma, its effects in children and adults, and how we as a church can grow in how we support those who have experienced trauma in their lives.

What exactly is trauma? Here is one definition that SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) uses:

“Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting effects physically, mentally, emotionally, or socially.”

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) took part in a study on potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood; such events are often referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. Their findings are astounding. Childhood trauma is believed to be the single most pervasive public health crisis in our country due to the long term effects of trauma on one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. It is estimated that 1 in 4 children will experience an ACE before the age of 16. 

ACE’s can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Emotional and Physical abuse or neglect

• Sexual abuse

• Witnessing a family member being abused, or witnessing violence outside the home

• Household substance abuse or mental illness

• Parental separation or divorce

• Death of a family member

• Incarcerated household member

• Racism, sexism, or any other form of discrimination

• Being homeless

• Natural disasters and war

• Health/medical challenges

• Separation from birth parents; experience in the foster care system

These conferences left me wondering how we as a church can be a Trauma Informed Ministry, providing greater understanding and support to those in our congregation and larger communities who have experienced trauma. 

In thinking through what it means to be Trauma Informed—as a church and an individual—here are a few questions to consider:

1. Do we realize the wide-spread impact of trauma and understand the potential paths of recovery?

2. Are we seen as a safe place for someone who has experienced trauma?

3. Are we able to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and respond well to survivors?

4. Could we help nurture resilience (the ability to recover from trauma)  as people heal?

5. Do we have sufficient safety policies that will help protect our children?

6. Are we listening to our members and attendees (children and adults) and giving them space to share experiences that have been traumatic?

This is an overwhelming topic, but we can rest in the fact that God promises to heal the brokenhearted and the Holy Spirit empowers us to take part in this work. We have a savior who understands what it means to experience trauma, he graciously bore every one of our traumatic events on the cross, and offers us hope and healing. I pray that this truth moves us all to care for those bearing the weight of trauma.

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*The first conference I attended was offered by In Faith Community Foundation. It was a two day Safe and Healthy Churches training in Norfolk that equips churches to understand the dynamics and ramifications of domestic and sexual abuse, protect survivors of abuse, and respond effectively and sensitively to victims, their families, and abusers. Megan Lowe, another member of City Church, was also able to attend.  The second conference was held locally and coordinated by For Richmond, a nonprofit that equips Christian leaders to work together to transform Richmond. The Trauma Training focused on providing practical resources to those in contact with children who have experienced trauma. There were specialized tracks for church leaders, school employees, and those who are involved in fostering or adoption, or know people who are.