Basic Training in trauma-informed ministry
Pre-course Material
Meet Dr. Todd Benkert
- Executive director of Hope’s Companion
- Pastor/Church Planter for 28 years
- Professor for 17+ years
- MDiv in Pastoral Ministry, PhD in Christian Missions / Master of Nonprofit Administration
- Foster and Adoptive Parent
- Involved in advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse
And…. STILL LEARNING
I serve as Executive Director of Hope’s Companion and as an adjunct professor for the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University. As a nonprofit leader, I equip churches in understanding trauma and its impact and ministering hope to survivors of sexual abuse and other significant trauma. As a pastor and missiologist, I encourage support for North American church planting, local church participation in international missions, and equipping indigenous leaders in the global South. I also serve on the board of directors for Multiplication Network. I am passionate about building unity in the body of Christ and advocacy for and ministry to survivors of sexual abuse and other significant trauma. My educational background includes a BM from Belmont University and an MDiv and PhD in Christian Missions from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master in Nonprofit Administration from Notre Dame. I have been married for 29 years and have 4 adult children and three granddaughters.
My philosophy of teaching, which I share with all my students, is that we’re all in this together. I believe we should never stop learning—especially when it comes to ministering to the wounds of trauma. We must continually seek to be more faithful, grow in our ability to minister effectively, and strive to care for others in ways that bring genuine hope and healing. At the heart of this approach is my own deep commitment to being a life-long learner.
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What to expect from this course
As I mentioned in my bio, I believe we should never stop learning. That belief shapes the expectations for this course. In the time set aside for this training, we won’t be able to cover everything exhaustively—but you will gain a solid foundation for understanding trauma and beginning to care well for those affected by it. Ongoing learning is essential for anyone committed to ministering in a trauma-informed way.
While I serve as a subject matter expert on this topic, I approach it as a fellow learner. I am continually learning—from the latest research and literature, from Scripture, from my own experiences, and from the stories and wisdom of the survivors God has placed in my path.
Dependence on the Holy Spirit
This work is not something we can do in our own strength. We must continually press into God and the gospel, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in how we communicate the love and grace of Christ and how we live out the call to love one another.
We cannot change anyone—only God can bring true transformation. Real hope is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. True healing includes not just emotional and relational restoration, but also spiritual restoration—a right relationship with God through Christ, in which we are accepted as His children, adopted into His family, and rooted in our identity in Him.
A Word of Care as We Begin
Caring for people who have experienced trauma is a continuous journey. We minister from the reservoir of our own walk with Christ and our growing understanding of what it means to be His hands, feet, and voice in the lives of others.
As you engage with the sensitive and complex topic of trauma, please be aware that some content may bring up difficult emotions or memories. Your well-being is a top priority. If at any point the material feels overwhelming, you are encouraged to pause, step away, and practice self-care. This is a safe space for learning and growth. Taking care of your needs is not only permitted—it’s essential.
A Note on Language and Approach
In this course, we will refer to some of the widely accepted principles and terminology used in the secular trauma-informed care (TIC) framework. This serves several purposes:
- To help us be conversant with the broader culture and social sciences
- To contextualize these concepts for a Christian ministry setting
- To biblically critique and evaluate TIC, showing where its core principles align with Scripture
- To use TIC as a catalyst for applying biblical truth to real human needs
The goal is not to adopt a secular framework uncritically, but to faithfully engage with the insights it offers while remaining grounded in the truth of Scripture and hope of the gospel.
Before the training begins
Before your church or ministry meets, take a moment to pause and invite God into this learning journey with you.
Whether you are taking this course individually, or others from your ministry or church are taking it too, You are not alone in this. Others are also taking this course, seeking to better understand trauma and how to care well for those who carry its wounds. And more importantly, God is with you—with us—present, guiding, always faithful.
Before you continue, take a few moments to:
- Acknowledge whatever you’re bringing into this space today—whether it’s curiosity, compassion, fatigue, uncertainty, or a mix of emotions.
“Search me, God, and know my heart” Psalm 139:23
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
- Ask God to prepare your heart and mind to learn, grow, and discern what is most needed for your context.
“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” – Psalm 86:11
- Pray for wisdom—not only to understand new concepts but to apply them with humility, love, and grace.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” – Philippians 1:9
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
A simple prayer you might use:
Lord, I come to this course with open hands. You know what I need. You know the people I care about and want to serve well. Please give me wisdom, insight, and compassion. Help me learn in a way that honors You and brings hope and healing to others. Amen.
Let this prayer be a starting place you can return to whenever needed—because God is with us in every step of our learning and ministry