Tagged With "Montana"

I couldn't be prouder of my home church, Headwaters Covenant Church in Helena, MT. Throughout the fall, we have been purposefully and carefully addressing subjects that the church often avoids. Among these topics are the family dysfunction that results from generational trauma, the prevalence of adversity in childhood within families in Montana, training in suicide awareness and prevention, and moral injury (especially among our veterans and service men and women). Just this last Sunday we...

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...

Chaplain Chris Haughee of Intermountain's Residential Services in Helena, Montana, hosted an all-day training and workshop on trauma-informed ministry on September 15th, 2016. The day started off with introductions and then it was time for Brie Oliver, ACE Master Trainer, to give the group the basics in adverse childhood experiences, the science behind life-long health effects from childhood trauma, and share the possible ways faith communities could help build resiliency in children and...

When Reverend Tyler Amundson first read the 1998 ACE study, he realized that this landmark science could become a common language: a way to talk about adversity and healing with clinicians and government officials, devout churchgoers and people who would never step inside a place of worship. “I call this the secular gospel,” he says. “It was easy to describe the ACE study to people. It opened a door for us to name how people face trauma and adversity and how positive relationships can help...

As I wrap up my doctoral studies, I am excited to see how the concept of becoming “trauma-informed” in ministry is starting to pick up steam across the country. A large part of the credit for furthering that conversation goes to you--my friends and colleagues here on ACEsConnection! It's been humbling to see how our relatively small ministry in Montana has something to add to the conversation. In fact, far from being behind the curve here in Montana, we are on the cutting edge in terms of...

As I begin to share with faith communities throughout Montana why adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) matter and how they can help build more resilient children and healthier communities, I sometimes hear something like this: "But why does it matter? What difference should it make in ministry?” The ACE survey measured the prevalence of ten stress-inducing factors in childhood including abuse, neglect, and substance abuse in the home, and these factors definitely influence ministries...

Chris, where did you get the stats for Montana? Is there a link that tells such stats for various states? I'd love to use some of this in presentations to children's pastors when I speak at national conferences. Thanks for your compassion to inform congregations about ACEs.

Linda... Here is the source for the stats: http://www.childtrends.org/wp-...xperiences_FINAL.pdf It is not an exhaustive discussion, but does discuss what is most prevalent as far as ACEs for each state. Hope you find it helpful! Chris

Thanks bunches. I get Child Trend's news but must have missed this one. Too much to read and keep up with at times.

Chaplain Chris - Thank you for your work in this area. I am connected with the faith based community in the Walla Walla area. We have been living the Paper Tigers story for several years. I applaud your connection between the science and Christian principles. Keep up the good work and keep the faith. Blessing

Hi Chris, I have used your description of what it is a trauma informed church. Could let me know how you would like to be sited on that piece?

This is great! Thank you Chris!

Thank you, Andy! God bless you, Chris