Pulpit & Pew: A Trauma-Responsive Conversation

And Introduction to the Series with Reading Suggestions

The conversation will begin next week, but first—since I was delayed in starting this series—a repeat of the what and why of how this series came to be followed by a reading suggestion that will help you follow along with the conversation. Skip there if you have read this introduction.

Introducing Pulpit & Pew: A Trauma-Responsive Conversation

This is a story about how my hopes for Trauma in the Pews came to fruition. While I know of many other stories, this one involves a collaboration that combined my efforts as an author, professor, trauma-informed advocate, and networker.

The story began when a pastor of a church in the very northeast part of Indiana listened to a Gravity Leadership podcast in which I was honored to be interviewed about Trauma in the Pews. Joshua Hawkins listened, purchased the book, and then took the final two paragraphs of the Introduction to heart.

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.

After reading Trauma in the Pews, Josh contacted me to ask if there was a program he could enroll in to be better prepared to lead his congregation and speak on the topic with other ministry leaders. I said, “Yes, there is. I teach in a M.Ed. program in Neuroscience and Trauma at Tabor College. It is open to all professions—not just educators—and your work in the program can be tailored to your ministry setting.”

A few months after that, after I Zoomed into the Orientation for the program to introduce myself, I received an email from Josh telling me he was in the cohort. I was thrilled and responded, “See you in class!”

Josh’s reflections during the class were everything I hoped for when I wrote the Introduction to Trauma in the Pews, partially included above. His work, my comments, and then his responses felt like an important conversation that continued throughout the course. As I read Josh’s final reflection I thought, “I wish ministry leaders could read this!” I messaged Josh with an idea for this series and he agreed. We were on our way! Watch for Pulpit & Pew: Trauma-Responsive Conversations in January February!

(See Josh’s Bio below)

Suggested Reading

The book upon which most of the reflections we will discuss was What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing. If you are following along with this series, I highly suggest moving this book to the top of your TBR list! The audiobook is a genuine conversation between the authors—I highly recommend it!

The following ChatGPT summary will provide a glimpse at the content.

What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey explores trauma, resilience, and healing through a lens of compassion and neuroscience. Here are three key takeaways:

1. Shift from "What's Wrong with You?" to "What Happened to You?"
   Instead of judging behaviors as problematic, we should recognize that past experiences, especially childhood trauma, shape how people think, feel, and react. Understanding someone's history fosters empathy and better support.

2. The Brain Develops Through Relationships and Experiences
   Early life experiences, particularly in caregiving relationships, shape brain development. Trauma can disrupt these processes, but positive, nurturing connections help rewire the brain and promote healing.

3. Healing Happens Through Safe and Repetitive Experiences
   Recovery from trauma isn’t about a single breakthrough moment—it requires consistent, safe, and supportive relationships that allow the nervous system to regulate and rebuild a sense of trust and security.

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Josh’s Bio

The Rev. Josh Hawkins is a native of Indiana and grew up in the First Assembly of God Church in Fort Wayne, serving in many roles until he began working as the discipleship and spiritual life pastor in 2010. Since 2016 Josh has been pastor of the Fremont Community Church in Fremont, IN. Josh and his wife, Rachel have four children between the ages of 22 and 13.