To date, over 80 copies of the curriculum Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks: a six week study of trauma-informed ministry and compassionate care for children from hard places and situations have gone out around the country. Released this past spring, most have ordered it to preview the materials prior to utilization this coming fall. So, while feedback has been positive, there have been few users with specific comments related to how their teaching experience has gone (because, well... they haven't used it to teach, yet)!
As our local Helena-based Elevate Montana group met last week, I was giving them an update on the curriculum and sharing this small frustration about having little in terms of constructive criticism I could use to make the curriculum even better.
"Well, why don't you teach it to us?" they asked.
"Really?" I responded. I was struck by their enthusiasm to take an hour and a half of their work week to join me in a Bible study based on the ACEs science. "You know this is a six-week study, so this would be a six-week commitment... and, it's summer... right?" Only those from states like Montana, which experience five to six months of winter can appreciate the sacrifice they would be making!
"Sure!" they said, and a half dozen committed to meet with me on Mondays at our local hospital in one of their meeting rooms to have the study. Our first gathering was the 17th, and it was wonderful to get to know my colleagues from other fields and disciplines within the context of how they saw their faith impacting their interpretation of ACEs in a community and faith-based setting.
I'd encourage others to get a hold of either a digital version of the curriculum (just $35) or a hard copy ($60, but includes a copy of Paper Tigers with a license to show to up to 250 in your church or school as well as a complimentary copy of the digital version of the study!) and gather a few folks together like we are here in Helena. It was such a blessing, and I am looking forward to our next five meetings.
HERE IS A LINK TO ORDER THE MATERIALS
For those who haven't seen previous posts on the curriculum, here is an overview:
- Week One: Jesus and the children; key idea: Jesus welcomes ALL children, even those affected by trauma, toxic stress, or adversity (ACEs)
- Week Two: Advocacy... what is this "trauma-informed" talk all about?; key idea: In order to advocate for children and families impacted by trauma, your church should consider trauma-informed ministry [a copy of the print portion of this lesson is linked below for those that want to 'get a feel' for the curriculum!]
- Week Three: Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?"; key idea: Jesus understood the devastating effects of trauma and adversity and his ministry was shaped in a way that responded to our needs.
- Week Four: How the traumatized can look like they "have it all together." key idea: those that are dealing with trauma don't all look the same. Even leaders in your community have been touched by trauma... so everyone should be treated compassionately.
- Week Five: Does being trauma-informed mean we avoid saying hard things? key idea: Jesus was compassionate, yet firm... being trauma-informed means you prepare for the strong reaction some topics may elicit, not that you avoid all issues that may elicit a strong reaction.
- Week Six: Responding to trauma within the compassionate Kingdom of God; key idea: God's Kingdom stands apart from this world's kingdoms, bringing justice and mercy where trauma and heartache have prevailed.
- BONUS MATERIALS: "Advocating for Rachel"--a case study from a licensed child and family therapist with suggestions for interventions that a church can appropriately implement to help hurting children and families!
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