SPIRITUAL CARE AND TRAUMA-SENSITIVE MINISTRY

All Sessions in Fairlie

Participants will be guided into a foundational understanding of trauma and the ways in which trauma impacts individuals, families and faith communities, as they learn about pastoral care for persons from cradle to grave in light of trauma-sensitive frameworks; learn about the WHY behind good child protection and sex offender policies and how that culture shift creates safer, more trauma-informed church life; learn how protective/resilient churches can strengthen communities.

Trauma 101

Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Trauma impacts the lives of many in our congregations; and yet so many of us do not understand it and are ill-equipped to respond to it. This foundational track will examine what trauma is and how it affects our neurobiology as we become more trauma-informed in our ministry settings.

David Pooler is a professor at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University, with practice and research experience in clergy sexual abuse and working with abused children.

Considering Congregational Culture

Thursday, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Congregations striving to be trauma-sensitive need to not only have an awareness of trauma, but must also think through pertinent policies and organizational culture shifts. This session will discuss the necessary implementation of safeguarding measures for proper sex abuse prevention and response, as well as providing tips for helpful spiritual care.

David Pooler is a professor at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University, with practice and research experience in clergy sexual abuse and working with abused children.

Beyond the Walls

Friday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

From the impacts of gun violence, racism and spiritual abuse, our neighbors are experiencing the effects of trauma and are looking for sanctuary. We will dream together about how we might provide spiritual care beyond the church walls and how to be a refuge in difficult times.

Jay Kieve is CBF’s Abuse Prevention and Response Advocate and the Fellowship’s point person for connecting churches to resources for the prevention of clergy sexual abuse and clergy sexual misconduct.