Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who are Hurting
About this audiobook
Discover a path to healing and understanding in The Traumatized Church by New Testament scholar Scot McKnight and therapist Adrienne Gibson. Whether you're a pastor, counselor, church leader, or someone who has been hurt by the church, this book provides a compassionate and practical framework to address the wounds of trauma and learn how to develop how churches can become trauma-informed spaces. McKnight examines the life of the apostle Paul and his complex relationship with the Corinthian church, offering biblical wisdom from Paul's life that helps us shape a renewed response to trauma within the church.
This book dives deeply into the realities of trauma--how it impacts individuals, communities, and ministries--and uses theological insights to guide readers through the four R's of trauma care: Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist. From understanding the symptoms of trauma in today's church members to providing actionable steps to foster safety, trust, support, collaboration, and empowerment, this book creates a roadmap for healing. With stories of real experiences, practical advice, and scriptural grounding, McKnight and Gibson encourage a Kingdom-minded approach to community, rooted in love and restoration rather than re-traumatization. Together, we can create churches that reflect Christ's healing and compassion.
If you're ready to transform your understanding of trauma and begin building spaces of redemption, The Traumatized Church is an essential resource for your ministry or personal growth.
About the author
Scot McKnight (PhD, Nottingham) has been a Professor of New Testament for more than four decades. He is the author of more than ninety books, including the award-winning The Jesus Creed as well as The King Jesus Gospel, A Fellowship of Differents, One.Life, The Blue Parakeet, Revelation for the Rest of Us, and Kingdom Conspiracy.
Adrienne Gibson is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), clinical supervisor for the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE), and the owner of Valor Counseling. She has been licensed for 19 years working with children, families, and adults and has served as a clinical supervisor and clinical director for two large community based mental health agencies in Arizona and Oregon. She has master’s degrees in counseling and New Testament. She regularly speaks on the topic of trauma and healing and consults with denominations on implementing trauma-informed care practices.
