Trauma is a critical issue in American churches. We interviewed 1,000 pastors across the United States, and several of them estimate that nearly half of their congregants have experienced some form of trauma in their lives that still causes pain and hinders their walk with God.
A few of them shared their concerns and the impact of American Bible Society’s Bible-based Trauma healing outreach:
I see the consequences of it [trauma]: Unspoken tension, bitterness, broken relationships, division.
— Mira Kim Falcone, Director of Refugee Ministries, Snyder Avenue Congregational Church
We’ve got gang violence in our city . . . drug addiction . . . domestic violence . . . racial trauma.
— Don Gordon, Pastor, Faith Christian Church & Executive Director, To Equip His People
I believe many people, even those who’ve been saved, may have hidden trauma that hadn’t been dealt with or brought to the Cross. Since trauma is so pervasive, we need people with this kind of training.
— Major Charles Roberts, Pastor, Director of County Operations, The Salvation Army, Syracuse Area
We recognize that our children are traumatized. Our community is traumatized. Healing draws us closer to Jesus. This outreach is one of the best ways I can see to offer solid healing opportunities to our people and our communities.
— Jay Baylor, Pastor & Director, Love Baltimore
We were so struck by the power of hearing the biblical stories in an audio format during the small group.
— Rev. Dana Baker, Director, Boston Trauma Healing Collaborative
Our Trauma Healing outreach is expanding quickly in America. Thank you for helping make these vital Bible-based resources available to pastors and ministry organizations so that our friends and neighbors all across the country can find hope and healing through God’s Word.
