Trauma in the Pews

TRAUMA IN THE PEWS is a practical and compassionate roadmap for spiritual leaders to effectively minister to those struggling with the effects of trauma. ¿¿Section One will answer the question, "How can becoming trauma informed provide better knowledge and understanding of the effects of trauma in the lives of those who sit in the pews?" This will include information about how trauma affects the brain and the prevalence of trauma in the lives of church members, both collective and individual. Section Two answers the question, "How can we view the struggles of those who suffer from the effects of trauma more compassionately?" This is the question that being trauma sensitive (recognizing the many ways trauma impacts our lives and faith) answers. This challenge will be explored through an in-depth look at how trauma affects an individual's efforts to access spiritual practices. Section Three answers the question, "How can we better serve those who suffer from the effects of trauma?" This is the question that being trauma responsive- responding in informed and compassionate ways-answers. Faith communities in general, and Christians in particular, have the potential to help those impacted by trauma turn their struggles into joy. Without understanding trauma and its effects, our efforts are often misguided and have the opposite effect. We are at the beginning of a significant and necessary change in our perceptions of those who suffer silently in the pews. We still have far to go, but with an understanding of the impact of trauma guiding our efforts, we can more effectively minister to those who are impacted. It is possible for our compassionate efforts to reap much greater dividends in the lives of those who sincerely desire a closer walk with God.