Keeping Faith Training April 2024

This course empowers faith communities to recognize and respond to cases of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Included are discussions detailing the impact of child abuse on a victim's sense of spirituality and offering concrete suggestions for working with medical and mental health professionals to assist a child in coping with maltreatment. The course also discusses ideal child protection policies for a faith-based institution, including handling a situation in which a convicted sex offender seeks to join a congregation. A review of various child abuse case scenarios and a discussion on appropriate and inappropriate responses allows for real-life problem-solving and feedback.

Why is this training important for every faith community?

• 93% of sex offenders describe themselves as being 'religious'

• 20% of 2864 church leaders knew of at least one convicted sex offender who was attending or was a member of their church (Christianity Today 2010)

• Child abuse Survivor Quote: "I went online to every faith community in my area trying to find a place in which I felt safe to worship. None of them gave me any information about safety policies in their community so I just gave up trying."

Intended Audience

Clergy, chaplains, youth ministers, faith leaders, counselors and other members of a faith community who may work with children or families impacted by child abuse.

Presented by:

• Victor Vieth, Chief Program Officer, Education and Research, Zero Abuse Project

• Alison Feigh, Director, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center

• Pete Singer, Executive Director, G.R.A.C.E.; Founding Director, Care in Action, Minnesota

***Group Discount: Buy 4 registrations get the 5th registration free. When selecting this option for purchase, the cost of 5 tickets is set to equal the cost of four full registrations and one free registration. Must purchase all registrations at the same time. Group registrations are not eligible for cancellation or refund (substitutions for registered participants may be made at any time).

Becoming a Trauma-Informed Church Training

Usually Offered Annually — Please check back for 2024 scheduling

This is an engaging four-hour virtual training event designed to equip church leaders and laypeople with a deep understanding of trauma and its impact, as well as a practical application of Trauma-Informed Care principles within the context of the church. 

During this training, we will engage in deep and meaningful conversations, and examine real-life situations to gain insight into the different types of traumatic experiences and their effects. Participants will have the opportunity to thoroughly understand the nature of trauma, its prevalence, and the long-lasting impact it can have on a person's emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Furthermore, we will unpack the six principles of Trauma-Informed Care as laid out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through scriptural integration and practical examples, we will examine how these principles align with the teachings of the Bible and how they can be effectively implemented in the life and ministry of the church. Participants will learn how to create safe and trustworthy environments; promote collaboration and mutual respect; empower individuals to reclaim their voice and choices; and address cultural, historical, and gender-specific issues with humility and compassion.

Key topics include...

• What the Bible says about trauma and resilience 

• The "Three E's" of trauma

• How churches can be a safe refuge by preventing abuse and caring well for those who have been abused

• What it means to be trustworthy and transparent

• How to support those who have been harmed 

• Strategies for collaboration in this work

• Understanding the proper use and sharing of power

• Historical, cultural, and gender factors associated with trauma

After attending this webinar training event, participants will leave with practical tools, key biblical insights, and a passion for implementing Trauma-Informed Care in their churches. We can work together to implement true safeguarding and create supportive spaces for those who have experienced trauma, fostering a church community that embodies compassion, empathy, and understanding. 

Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and the ministry of your church.

Individual ticket price: $50.00

Group Tickets AVAILABLE | Create a Community Learning EVENT

Create a shared learning experience as you seek to understand trauma and implement Trauma-Informed Care principles within your church. By attending as a group, you'll foster a collective commitment to creating a supportive and healing environment, ensuring that your entire community is equipped to provide intentional and practical care to those who have experienced trauma.

This cost-effective option is perfect for a...

• church staff, 

• Bible study group or Sunday school class,

• volunteer team, 

• family members, or

• friend group.

Financial Assistance Available!

If you, as an individual or as a church, are in need of financial assistance to help cover the cost of this training event, GRACE has funds designated to help churches and individuals in need. Please visit www.netgrace.org/everychurch and apply for a discount code using the "Application for Funds" button. Choose the option, "Becoming A Trauma-Informed Church (Webinar)" and fill out the application.

Interested in bringing GRACE to your community?

Do you want to move the needle on abuse recognition, prevention, and response issues in your area, denomination, church, or ministry? Email zane@netgrace.org about the ways GRACE can serve your community. In addition to the programs we provide, listed under “SERVICES” under the website header, GRACE can also work with communities and/or individuals to provide…

• Area-Wide Training Events on the basics of abuse recognition, prevention, and response

• Presentations on Safeguarding for denominational gatherings, seminaries, church/ministry network gatherings, or conferences, etc.

• GRACE Fundraiser Dinners - We are always on the lookout for a group of individuals who want to host GRACE in their area or community to help us raise money for our work

Thank you for all the ways you partner with us to address abuse in Christian communities.