Helping churches become healing communities

“So much work remains. So much evil to fight. So much healing to reach for. So many wounded to love. Consider this your invitation to join in that work. To do what is right, no matter the cost. To hold to the straight line in the midst of the battle. To define your success by faithfulness in the choices you make. The darkness is there, and we cannot ignore it. But we can let it point us to the light.”

― Rachael Denhollander

How Hope’s Companion began

Founded in the fall of 2023, Hope’s Companion emerged from the personal journey and convictions of its Executive Director, Dr. Todd Benkert. Drawing from a background as a pastor, friend to abuse survivors, and foster parent, he observed a critical gap within many churches in addressing the complex needs of trauma survivors. This realization deepened through active involvement in addressing the abuse crisis within his denomination, where efforts for reform heightened awareness of the prevalence of trauma and the too often inadequate support within church communities.

In conversation with abuse and trauma survivors, clinicians, and advocates, the idea emerged for an organization that focuses on trauma awareness among pastors and ministry leaders, and the implementation of trauma-responsive ministry practices within churches.

Driven by a desire to minister well to survivors of trauma, Hope’s Companion was established to provide essential training and resources, offering churches the tools necessary to meet the growing needs of trauma survivors and fulfill their role as places of hope and healing.

The meaning of our name

Hope’s Companion is so named because we believe our mission is not to “fix” people but to walk alongside them as they heal, journeying together in the hope of Jesus. Our name acknowledges that each of us needs the hope of the gospel and the koinonia (fellowship) of the faith community.

Hope’s Companion believes that trauma-informed and trauma-responsive ministry is a missional and contextual application of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. We are not satisfied with “checking a box”, quick-fix solutions, or relegating trauma care to niche ministries outside the regular body life of the church. The gospel itself imparts hope, and the church travels as hope’s companion, as we all grow together in Christian community as one body in Christ.

A second dimension of the name comes from 1 Corinthians 13. At the end of this chapter, hope joins faith and love as companion virtues. In the body of Christ, along with hope, we need both faith and especially love. Hope for survivors of trauma is a companion of faith in the good news of Jesus and of the community of faith loving one another well.

Our calling as an organization is to equip pastors and churches so that they can journey together with survivors, walking side by side in the hope offered by Christ. Our goal is to support churches in communicating the hope of the gospel and in following the Bible’s command to love both our neighbors and one another, living surrendered lives in authentic Christian community.

The church, as it embodies faith in the gospel and love for the Lord and for one another, is the companion of hope.

Filling a gap in church care

1 in 7

Women have been victims of rape in their lifetime (1 in 4 of any type of sexual assault)

1 in 6

of U.S. adults report 4 or more Adverse Childhood Experiences before reaching the age of 18

1 in 11

Persons will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime

<25%

of pastors feel their churches are equipped to minister to congregants in cases of abuse (and other significant trauma)

God designed the church to be a refuge where people discover the hope of the gospel and grow in community as they follow Him together. Yet, churches often struggle with the challenge of effectively ministering to individuals who have experienced sexual abuse and other significant trauma. Hope’s Companion seeks to aid churches in comprehending the impact of trauma and loving people in trauma-informed ways, fostering a collective hope grounded in faith in Jesus Christ.

Our Team

Hope’s Companion is led by our executive director, Dr. Todd Benkert, and assisted by a growing team of content advisors.

Driven by a desire to assist churches in their response to sexual abuse and trauma, our founding board is a dedicated working group of survivor/advocates and subject matter experts committed to helping churches care well for survivors.