A culture is created by the attitudes and behaviors characteristic to a particular group. When people have experienced complex traumas and grown up seeing the world through abuse, this is the culture they come from – with its rules, norms, expectations, values, and beliefs. Becoming trauma-informed is a cultural learning process. It is a means by which we assess our own health and healing, better recognize others who are hurting, and grow in our ability to connect and build safe relationships.
Cultures often found in churches can clash with the need for connection and healing. The language used from the pulpit or in small groups can further wound and create a sense of not belonging. When two parties do not speak the same language, it maintains division between them. Yet the church is called to be expression of God’s family on this earth – a world full of suffering, broken hearts, and trauma of every kind. How then do we bridge this gap and create ways for deep roots and relationship within the church? How do we translate the Gospel in a language that understands trauma and healing?
First, before addressing traumatized populations “out there,” we need to understand suffering is within our church walls already. There are people in every church and family who have experienced many types of abuse and loss. Though sometimes disguised by high performance, their suffering underneath remains just as real. Hurting people are close to us…or they are us.
I have heard from worship leaders who suffer from PTSD, but have felt unsafe to acknowledge it to their church. Leaders who struggle with addictions that stem from early childhood abuse. Congregation members who are seeking support, but fear further isolation and judgment if they open up too much. I often wonder how much of what is called “hypocrisy” in the church could be a form of dissociation or regression due to unresolved traumas. When speaking to any audience, I am aware that I am talking to a number of people who could be teaching me from their experience. There is no such thing as a “neutral” or non-affected group. We need to acknowledge ourselves and those closest around us first.
This is why a trauma-informed lens is important for everyone. We grow in sensitivity to God, to ourselves, and to others. We learn to slow down and ask more questions. Our approach becomes curious instead of presumptive. We start to incorporate a different attitude and wording in sermons and bulletins. We seek more connect with people instead of more church projects. We are intentional to create room for healing and normalize the need for it. Regardless of our setting or position, a trauma-informed worldview brings a greater understanding of the diversity and worth of people.
Flourish International works to see this knowledge shape the hearts of God’s people so the perspective, speech, tone, and heart is trauma-informed and equipped to connect. We want to be relating this way to ourselves and to everyone we interact with each day. This is how God prepares us to add to our numbers, to add to our families who gather more around tables than stages. Our homes become ready and safe when we have norms of healing written into our lives.
Trauma-informed cultures allow for the safety, belonging, connection, complexity, challenges, growth, and wholeness of people and families – core Kingdom values. Sometimes healing is considered to be an individual process. While it is personal, it is also very much collective. It is for all of us and requires all of us in different ways. Becoming rooted in God’s house and creating family is a journey of transformation for everyone.
The world will know we are the real thing by the way in which we love our own. When people are first coming out of abuse and into a church, they often observe before they engage. As the church with a heart for justice, we must start at home and model holistic care. May we continue to grow in knowing ourselves and one another through His eyes of clarity and compassion.
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