THREAD: Church Small Groups, Trauma, and Mental Health

Some musings: While I know that this is not characteristic of all church community/small groups, I have heard time, and time again how small groups have been a place of harm and hurt for those with hx of trauma and MH. 1/8

The stories I’m hearing from clients and others primarily take place in the context of the approach some community/groups take to vulnerability, trust, and care. Members being asked early/regularly to share vulnerable details of their lives without ample time to build trust. 2/8

Leaders of these groups not being properly trained and equipped on trauma-informed or appropriate response to mental heath and trauma history— thereby bringing about further harm to these members. 3/8

Whether intended or unintended, spiritual pressure is perceived in relation to trusting and engaging with the group, leading members to feel they are not being “spiritual” if they are hesitant or unwilling to share vulnerable details. This causes spiritual distress/injury. 4/8

All of these things are causing members with trauma or MH history to feel they are the problem. That they are somehow deficient and that non-compliance has something to say about their spirituality. This is grievous, distortion, and destruction. 5/8

If a church is employing community groups for the care of their members, what are they doing to educate/equip their members and leaders to understand how safety comes before trust, which comes before vulnerability? What training is being done on MH and trauma-informed care? 6/8

One last note: Christians we have used the word vulnerability to cause great harm. Community/small groups are not owed the deepest details of a person’s life. That trust must be earned, and even then the group may not be the best place for it. 7/8

Vulnerability and trust cannot be demanded. It cannot be coerced. Otherwise you are getting compliance— which will not grow redemptive connection and care. 8/8