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PACEs in the Faith-Based Community

Hello, I just joined this group because, as the coordinator for a statewide trauma-prevention, resilience-promoting coalition in Alaska, I am working with the Governor's Office to organize a forum for faith leaders on the topic of "Safe Children, Healthy Families." I am going to give a presentation to the faith leaders and others assembled and then they will engage in a conversation about what they can do -- with children and youth, with parents and caregivers, with leadership and programming, and with community service and advocacy work. 

 

In my presentation, I would like to provide examples of what other faith communities or networks of faith communities have done. How have they applied the science of ACEs, neurobiology, epigenetics, and resilience? How have they intentionally supported the building of protective factors? How do they apply this trauma-informed lens to counseling on parenting approaches, or to understanding and working with the homeless? How has this perspective challenged or supported previously-held interpretations of scripture? 

 

I need just a few short examples I can share to kick off their conversation. I would love if the examples encompassed these different areas, and if they came from different kinds of faith communities. 

 

Thank you so much if you have stories or examples (or links to articles, etc.) for me! I will also be perusing the resources list that I saw in the resource section. 

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The curriculum I wrote earlier this year is just starting to be implemented in the faith communities that requested it. Here is something I wrote up recently that might be helpful?

It's already being utilized in 28 different states and the District of Columbia, and it may be the best resource for introducing your congregation to the biblical and theological reasons to consider "trauma-informed ministry." Written by Intermountain's own chaplain, Chris Haughee, "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks" is a six-week curriculum for high school youth or adults that want to understand the affects of trauma on children and how the prevalence of trauma could change EVERYTHING about how churches explore ministry today.
 
Here are two quick testimonials:
  • "Everyone, and I mean everyone, has really enjoyed the Bible studies... Our discussions have been rich, edifying, encouraging, and life-giving. Thank you so much for this wonderful work. More people need to experience it!" -Pastor Stan Sonu, Ninth Hour Covenant Church; Chicago, IL

 

  • "I give my highest recommendation of the Bruised Reeds & Smoldering Wicks adult study.  Each of the six classes provided valuable information about the importance of trauma-informed ministry.  In addition to learning more about compassionate care, I found the scripture, readings, short videos and discussions very uplifting to me personally by enriching my Christian faith." Suzanne Mannix, Mental Health Advocate in Helena MT.
 
 

ACE Overcomers has been at the forefront of the faith-based trauma-informed movement. We train pastors, laymen, law enforcement officers, social, behavioral, and mental health workers in many states.

My curriculum, "Overcoming a Difficult Childhood" is used across the states, into Canada, D.R. Congo, and Uganda. 

Additionally we have a secular program, "Building Healthy Life Skills" (TM) used in high schools and jails.

Both programs have been studied by University of California Merced and they wrote, "the findings provide evidence for the efficacy of ACE Overcomers in improving emotion regulation skills, psychological resilience and well-being, quality of life, illness days, and somatic symptomsâ€Ķ".

You may access many ACE Overcomers videos on the website: http://aceovercomers.com/product-store.html

We are trying to put together a day focus event for a longer Child Abuse Conference for faith based communities in OKlahoma.  If you would give us an update on your forum or surveys that you have learned about faith base qroups and what they would like to know and hear more about on the topic. I could find very little on the subject besides Chris Haughee's curriculum for high school.  Margie

Have we created any language on what does it mean to be a trauma informed church?

Chris has some great specific possible outcomes in his curriculum.

I am looking for some fill in the blank value added statements to begin to work with churches i.e.

What does it mean to be a trauma informed church

  • elders are _____________________
  • conversations are happening on __________________________
  • families are willing to ________________________
  • bible study focuses on____________________

 

Lauralee,

Thanks for reaching out. Happy to hear from you. Check my website: aceovercomers.org   We now have online facilitator training. The first session (one of twelve) is free. 

There is a difference between establishing a safe culture in a church and just adding a new class to the list of available classes.

Establishing a safe culture requires the pastor and leadership to "buy into" understanding and practicing trauma-informed approach to ministry. I'm not saying that the pastor must become a Harvey Milktoast ( I am quite direct in my preaching). I am saying that the pastor and leadership must understand the significant effects of ACEs and approach and embrace the wounded with the same compassion that Christ demonstrated. We must not discount or discard those who find it challenging to control their emotions and thought life. We must develop the empathy and sympathy necessary to come alongside and model and teach biblical self-awareness and self-regulation. (Biblical self-awareness and self-regulation is a whole other discussion)

When a pastor "gets" the science of trauma, people become very understandable and predictable. It makes counseling enjoyable and fruitful. You can help people take positive steps to embrace the principles that lead to life. "The wages of sin is death (that's the result of ACEs); but the gift of God is eternal life  through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

When church leadership is more concerned with plans and programs than demonstrating the compassion and care of Christ, the person with a high ACE score will never feel accepted or at peace. They will feel intimidated, discounted, and retraumatized.

Before a congregation can become trauma-informed and safe, the leadership must deal with their trauma, and purposefully commit to modeling the example of Christ. Those in leadership must evaluate their ability to emotionally connect with others. I've sat under the preaching of a pastor who was proper in his sermonizing and business dealings, but had no ability to connect with his congregation. It created an emotionally sterile church. If the pastor is lacking in this area, the congregation must develop other leaders who can meet the needs of the emotionally wounded. Tip O'Neill, past Speaker of the House said, "All politics is local." And when it comes to congregations, "All ministering is personal."

When church leadership doesn't connect with the pew, ministry is reduced to herding, not leading.

Lauralee, I know I have written a lot, but most likely have not answered all your questions. Please feel free to call me at (209) 617-4688. I'm happy to discuss your specific needs and applications. 

I live in California, so please call me during business hours in CA.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33    

Dave

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