Presently, the church stands at a turning point where the narrative of pain and alienation can be transformed into a story of healing and redemption. The path forward involves rediscovering a more honest understanding of who makes up the church—believers who wound and are wounded, yet who humbly seek and find forgiveness and grace. The church is the place where faith in a God who redeems can guide us through the darkest of times. By embracing a culture of humility, empathy, understanding, and love, the church can be a place where people find hope as they see that when faith meets trauma it doesn’t have to snuff out belief, but rather, it can fuel stronger faith. As they experience a community of believers who are willing to be transparent about deep hurts and honest about trusting in a faithful God, they will find encouragement. When they hear the words of Scripture echoing their own cries, they will be validated. When they see others clinging to their faith in the midst of trials, their own grip on faith will grow tighter.
If that is where your church longs to be, if that is the desire of your heart as a helper, here are four specific ways a church can bring comfort to sufferers. Review these with your leadership and pray for the Lord to make your church not only trauma aware but trauma safe.
How the Church Can Address Faith and Trauma with Compassion
1. Speak Openly About Faith and Trauma
As we have seen, the Bible does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of human suffering. Scripture validates the emotional pain and anguish that trauma survivors endure (Jeremiah 4:19; Psalms 73:21-22; 109:22). Individuals will find comfort in knowing that their experiences are articulated and understood on the pages of Scripture. Acknowledging others’ suffering also opens the opportunity for guidance from the Scripture as we help people see that they can take the most painful parts of their story to the God of all comfort. It also communicates that they are not alone.
2. Affirm God’s presence amid suffering.
The Bible emphasizes God’s compassionate nature and how he promises to be with us in times of distress (Psalms 9:9-10; 23:4; 31:7-8; Isaiah 46:1; 49:14). These promises and assurances remind us that even during the darkest moments, God’s presence is a comfort and solace. We may not feel that God is present, and even that is normal to feel and voice. Jesus himself felt that as he called out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 niv). Give space for this and continue to point the person to the Lord’s promises to be faithful and just. It may seem as though he is slow, or not there, but he is. He will not overlook the evil and injustice done to someone. He promises to be the protector and avenger of his children.
3. Remind people that restoration and redemption are assured.
The Bible is filled with stories of redemption and restoration, in which brokenness is transformed into wholeness. These stories illustrate how God can bring healing and hope to those who have experienced suffering, including trauma. These stories are gospel reminders that one day, all things will be made new (Isaiah 43:19; Revelation 21:5), and we must continue to proclaim this truth to all—especially to those whose lives have been impacted by trauma. The Bible reminds us that God can bring beauty out of ashes and glory out of disgrace (Isaiah 61:3). The stories in the Bible serve as a reminder that because of Jesus, there is a future joy beyond pain (Joel 2:25-32; Revelation 21:4).
4. Encourage people toward compassionate action.
The presence of trauma in the Bible encourages us to respond with compassion and empathy toward those who are suffering. As Christians, we are called to extend love and support to those who have endured trauma, just as Jesus demonstrated in his interactions. He did not shy away from people who had horrifying histories (Matthew 8:28- 34; Mark 2:13-15; Luke 8:1-2). His compassion drew them to him (Matthew 9:36-38). “Trauma-safe churches are not afraid to witness such stories of trauma survivors. This is because there can be no trauma healing without telling the truth.” Our willingness to care for the sufferer can be a means of leading people to a path of healing and the Healer himself. It is not unlike Jesus to heal someone based on the faith of friends (Mark 2:1-5).
Traumatized people need people. They need others who will wisely support and care for them as they process what happened. They need others who will remind them of the truth that God loves them and cares for them. They need a safe place where their story can be shared. They need the church.
Faith and Trauma: A Calling for the Church
Dr. Diane Langberg charges those who minister to people to remember that you have by the virtue of your calling, been invited to enter into atrocity in the name of Jesus Christ. Such an invitation is really nothing other than a call to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, who entered into the terrible atrocity of this fallen world and endured the unspeakable. He who did so for our sakes has called us to do the same for those who are suffering.
