Churches are places where people bring their deepest joys and their deepest pain. Whether we realize it or not, many of those who walk through our doors carry unhealed trauma—shaping how they see God, themselves and others. Today’s clergy in particular must be equipped to respond with wisdom and compassion.
That’s why C4SO stepped into something new this fall: Effective Trauma Care training through the Allender Center, founded by Dr. Dan and Rebecca Allender. Known for their pioneering work in story, trauma and redemption, The Allender Center’s mission is to foster healing in individuals, couples and communities by helping them tell their stories with courage and integrity.
On August 25, a select group of diocesan and provincial leaders began gathering biweekly to engage with the course. Each session pairs an hour-long teaching video with small group conversations, sometimes guided directly by Dr. Allender himself. A few of the topics are:
- Core assumptions about trauma
- How trauma symptoms show up in daily life
- The ways memory and triggers intersect
What sets this training apart is not just the content but the invitation: Participants are asked to wrestle with their own stories of harm and heartache, while learning how to lead others with deeper awareness. The goal is to cultivate leaders who can respond to trauma wisely, pastorally and with integrity.
C4SO has long prioritized safeguarding the vulnerable, and this training continues that important trajectory. Suffragan Bishop Brian Wallace, who initiated the partnership with the Allender Center, says, “Caring for trauma is at the core of building a culture of trust and safety.”
For C4SO, this training represents more than professional development. It’s a commitment to embodying Christ’s love in some of the most tender places of human experience.
Learn more about the Allender Center.