Trauma-Responsive

Key Insights from my time at Columbia—this writing is part of a larger paper; however, I wanted to share with you some of the progress and learning that has occurred.

The last two days of class were a deep dive into the complexities of trauma and how we, as Christians, especially preachers, can respond with grace, compassion, and healing. I walked away with several key insights that I’m eager to share with you, especially if you are interested in knowing more about trauma, faith, and how to live Christian discipleship in the midst of suffering.

1. Trauma Is More Than Physical Wounds

Trauma isn’t just about physical injuries—it’s a injury to the soul, the spirit, and even the ability to cope. It’s like walking around with a flat tire—you shouldn’t keep going without dealing with it. If we ignore our trauma or pretend it can wait or worst, that it doesn’t exist, it will only hold us back. Trauma affects how we see the world, how we remember things, and even how we relate to others—your tempests will become their storms. Trauma doesn’t only hurt the individual, it ripples through families, communities, and generations. It can impact us all, even when we aren’t the direct victims, especially when we witness or hear about others’ aches.

As Christians, it’s crucial to acknowledge that trauma can be communal. Whether it's small daily struggles, like microaggressions, or larger, life-altering events, trauma can shape entire communities. So, when we preach or minister, we must understand that trauma doesn't always look the same for everyone. It's not only about what happened, but how the experience is perceived and how we feel about it.

2. Preaching Must Be Flexible and Compassionate

Because so much of trauma is perception, then trauma requires flexibility. Preaching on trauma isn’t about tying up everything neatly with a bow; sometimes, it’s messy and fragmented, just like the people we are trying to reach. To help us, we considered the significance of poetry—like Lucille Clifton’s work—which paints trauma in fragmented, metaphorical language, showing how the experience can be messy and not easily resolved.

This brought us to a critical realization: Some may find comfort in hearing “God is in control,” but for others, those words might feel dismissive of their pain. What’s important is that we create room for all responses—anger, sorrow, confusion—without rushing to “fix” things. Instead of rushing to “fix” trauma, we need to help others deal with it. This doesn’t mean ignoring the pain but walking alongside people as they face it. By allowing for these raw, authentic feelings, we invite people to engage with God on their terms, not just ours. Healing doesn’t come from fixing everything, but from dealing with it together in community.

3. Healing Through Worship: A Space for Different Experiences

Finally, we discussed how worship can be a powerful tool for healing when we recognize the trauma our communities face. Worship isn't just about ritual or tradition; it’s about creating spaces where people can connect with God in their own way. This could be through silence, movement, or even breathwork. As we move forward in ministry, it’s important to offer a variety of experiences that allow people to find healing in their unique way.

For those dealing with trauma, worship can be a moment of vulnerability. So, it's about giving people the space to breathe, to express their grief, and to experience God’s presence in ways that feel authentic to them. It’s a call for us as preachers and leaders to be more intentional about how we craft our worship services, creating an environment where healing isn’t just a goal but a reality.

Moving Forward: How We Can Preach with Healing in Mind

As I reflect on these lessons, I realize how important it is for us as Christians to be mindful of trauma, not just as an abstract concept, but as a real, lived experience for many in our congregations. Here’s how we can move forward:

1. Validate the Pain Without Offering Quick Fixes

In the face of trauma, the instinct may be to offer quick solutions or comforting words. But sometimes, what people need most is simply to have their pain acknowledged. Trauma doesn’t heal overnight, and we must resist the urge to rush to resolution or “fix” the situation. Instead, we can create space for people to name their hurt, express their anger, or share their fears. By validating their emotions, we allow them to feel seen and heard. This approach can be profoundly healing, as it recognizes that while pain is part of the human experience, it doesn't have to be minimized to move forward.

2. Be Present with the Community in the Midst of Suffering

Trauma often isolates people, making them feel alone in their pain. As pastors and Christians, we can combat this isolation by being present with those who are struggling. This doesn’t necessarily mean providing all the answers; it means showing up and being there for people, even in their darkest moments. Whether it’s a visit, a phone call, or simply sitting with someone in silence, our presence can be a reminder that they are not alone. In fact, in many cases, our willingness to simply sit with others in their pain can speak more powerfully than any sermon or scripture.

3. Offer Rituals of Comfort and Connection

Worship and rituals can be powerful tools for helping people process trauma. Whether it’s through communal prayer, sharing of burdens, or symbolic acts like lighting candles or partaking in communion, rituals provide an opportunity for healing. These practices offer a tangible way for people to connect with God, the church, and one another. Rituals can be especially helpful in trauma-informed ministry, as they create a space for shared experience and spiritual grounding. Even small, intentional acts—such as a prayer circle or a pause in the service for individual reflection—can help people feel connected and supported as they navigate their trauma.

Trauma-responsive preaching isn't just a theory; it’s about offering hope, healing, and grace to those who need it most. In these days of suffering, it’s our occupation to help others heal, not just with our words but through the very spaces and experiences we create for them.

As I reflect on everything we’ve discussed in these last two days, I realize that many of these ideas aren’t new to me. I’ve heard much of this before, whether in scripture, in personal experiences, or in the teaching I’ve received. But sometimes, even when we know something, it’s good to hear it again—to be reminded, refreshed, and renewed in our understanding. This time has given me a chance to consider these things more deeply and to reaffirm the importance of them in my own ministry.

One of the most powerful reminders for me has been that being part of a church isn’t just about attending services or learning theology. It’s about being part of a communal effort to be there for one another. A church is a place where we carry each other’s burdens, where we listen, validate, and walk through pain together. It’s a place where we don’t just preach hope—we live it, alongside each other, in the real messiness of life.

So as we move forward, let’s continue to be the church that helps people not only find hope in Christ but also provides a safe space for healing. We are called to be instruments of God's love and grace, offering that love to others, especially in their hardest times. It’s a continual effort, one that we engage in together, as a community bound by faith and the love of Christ.