Trauma-Informed Ministry Training
In-person in North Carolina and nearby locations |
Available everywhere virtually
Being trauma-informed isn’t optional - it’s essential to the sacred responsibility of being a faith leader
Faith Leaders are the Front Line of Emotional and Spiritual Care for Many People
You likely received thorough education in theology or spiritual direction, but may feel unprepared to deal with the mental health concerns of those under your care.
You provide support and care for people in some of the most trying times of their lives. As a clergy person or faith leader, you are often the first person that folks come to when they are facing struggles and it’s important that you know how best to support them.
You need to know how to recognize signs of mental health concerns or abuse. It’s important that you are aware of supportive resources when the needs go beyond your training or ability to offer support.
This Trauma-Informed Ministry training is “one of the most helpful and most important educational experiences I have had as a pastor in my 13 years of ministry. In 6 hours, she covered material that I would deem ‘should be but isn’t taught in seminary.’ She provides much-needed language for things that can happen in ministry and helps leaders uncover real ways to act on this knowledge within their spheres of influence to prevent or mitigate pain and isolation.”
~quote for a past participant
Mental Health and Religion
1 in 4 people in the US will deal with mental health concerns at some point in their life.
Up to 60% of the US population will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, with about 6% developing PTSD.
Relational trauma carries some of the highest risk for continued impacts and ongoing mental health concerns.
One study found that only 35% of people struggling with mental health concerns, including trauma, felt supported by their faith leaders or religious communities.
Mental Health and Faith Leaders
91% of pastors have experienced some form of burnout while working in ministry.
According to 2025 data, 40% of pastors are at a high risk of burnout – a 400% increase since 2015.
Less than 35% percent of pastors have ever sought any kind of professional support for their own mental health concerns.
[Sources: Barna Group, Lifeway Research, The Shaeffer Institute]
Experience Greater Clarity and Deeper Impact in Supporting Mental Health
Completing a Trauma-Informed Ministry Training will give you the knowledge and tools to support the spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of those under your care (and yourself!).
Imagine feeling confident to respond effectively the next time a congregant or group member comes to you with a concern related to mental health or trauma. You are able to recognize the signs and offer support and resources, while also maintaining boundaries that honor your role and your own emotional well-being. This is part of healing the broken-hearted.
Your space becomes known as one where faith can be rebuilt and where individuals will not be retraumatized. Your leadership team is able to respond to reports of abuse with clarity and compassion. You’re able to provide both spiritual and practical balm to the often unseen wounds of trauma and mental health challenges.
Trauma-Informed Ministry Training - Frequently Asked Questions
Trauma-Informed Ministry Training
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trauma-Informed Ministry ?
Trauma-Informed Ministry is built upon a foundation that recognizes that many people carry unseen wounds related to experiences of trauma, as well as other mental health concerns. This awareness helps shape the culture, policies, spaces, events, and interactions within the church or organization.
Who can attend a Trauma-Informed Ministry training?
Anyone in a position of leadership or in a decision-making role within a religious group / organization is welcome to attend a Trauma-Informed Ministry training. This includes clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers within churches, as well as those in leadership positions within parachurch organizations or other faith-based spaces.
What information is covered in a Trauma-Informed Ministry training?
This training covers a number of topics related to mental health and trauma in order to help participants be better equipped to support those under their care. Topics covered in the training include:
- Common mental health concerns and how they may show up in religious spaces
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation – knowing the difference and how you can help
- Understanding trauma and what it means to be trauma-informed
- Practical steps for creating trauma-sensitive spaces and gatherings
- Feeling competent to respond to reports of harm or abuse
- Caring for your own mental health as a faith leader while serving others
- Connecting with trusted mental health resources when needed
What are the options for participating in a Trauma-Informed Ministry training?
This training is currently available as either a live, online webinar or an in-person event for your specific group. The webinar format is an option for anyone, regardless of location. The in-person training is limited to locations in NC or surrounding states, depending upon travel costs.
The training is available in 2 formats: a 2-hour basic training OR a 6-hour in-depth training. Both options include access to informational slides and additional resources. The longer training allows time for Q&A and discussion of your specific needs.
An on-demand webinar option is in the works – you can subscribe to Michelle’s monthly e-newsletter if you want to be sure you get the update when the on-demand training is available.
How much does a Trauma-Informed Ministry training cost?
The cost of this training ranges from $60 per participant (for the 2-hour training) to $150 per participant (for the 6-hour training). This pricing has been set with consideration of being financially accessible, while also honoring the hours of training, education, experience, and preparation that have gone into the training. Group discount pricing is available and you can contact Michelle to discuss your specific needs.
What are the qualifications of the facilitator of this Trauma-Informed Ministry training?
This training is facilitated by Michelle F. Moseley, LCMHC (NC #12491) who brings the following qualifications to this work:
- 15+ years of experience working within volunteer and vocational ministry roles in churches and parachurch organizations
- 10+ years of experience in clinical roles providing mental health services
- Extensive education and ongoing training in working with complex trauma, including relational trauma
- Specialization in working with those who have experienced religious harm, supporting them in healing and finding their path forward
- 15+ years experience providing trainings, workshops, and continuing education courses to a variety of audiences
I’m ready to get started OR I still have questions about the Trauma-Informed Ministry Training.
Contact Michelle to schedule a free, 20-minute virtual chat to discuss your questions and to get your training scheduled
“Michelle is an excellent and supportive resource for pastors, church staff, and lay people to gain a better understanding of trauma. She is sensitive to the needs of the group, well-informed, and compassionate in her approach to sharing information and clarifying how churches can do a better job at coming alongside those who have experienced trauma, as well as creating literal sanctuaries or ‘safe’ spaces that actively work to prevent future trauma. I cannot recommend Michelle and her work more highly!”
~quote for a past participant
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