Trauma-Informed Ministry: Supporting the Children of Your Congregation

Many congregations are seeing an increase in challenging behaviors among children, often without understanding the root causes. Trauma—whether from family instability, community violence, poverty, or global crises—deeply impacts how kids behave, relate, and engage in congregational life. Without trauma awareness, well-meaning leaders may misinterpret a child’s actions and unintentionally push them away.

This workshop helps children’s ministry leaders, youth leaders, pastors, and volunteers become safer, more welcoming places where all children—including those carrying hidden wounds—can connect, grow, and experience God’s love. This workshop uses real-life ministry examples, emphasizing that you don’t need to be a therapist to be therapeutic. By creating safe, consistent, and empowering environments, congregations can become places of healing and hope for every child.

Participants will learn to:

• Recognize the signs of trauma in children—including fear, dysregulation, distrust, and withdrawal—by interpreting behavior as communication.
• Create emotionally and spiritually safe ministry environments through predictable routines, calm leadership, and non-shaming correction.
• Use simple strategies to help kids regulate their emotions—like movement breaks, calming worship, and safe spaces.
• Build trust and connection with children who push others away by showing consistent care and offering patient, empowering responses.
• Equip volunteers to support hurting kids without needing to be mental health professionals—making ministry both compassionate and sustainable.