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Trauma in the Pews: The Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices
HOW IS FAITH IMPACTED BY TRAUMA?
TRAUMA IN THE PEWS is a practical and compassionate roadmap for spiritual leaders to effectively minister to those struggling with effects of trauma. In spite of the challenges of our increasingly complex world, together we can create safer spaces for authentic healing and a deeper connection with God.
Very few come through life unscathed by some form of trauma. It’s been established through countless studies that well over half of the American population has endured significant trauma by the age of eighteen. Since many turn to faith communities in times of crisis, it’s reasonable to assume that there is an even higher percentage of trauma survivors among congregants. Without the right tools, it can be difficult to recognize or respond to those suffering in the pews.
Faith leader, trauma survivor and trauma informed expert, Janyne McConnaughey, PhD, brilliantly combines personal stories, insight and current research to equip readers
· Recognize the effects of trauma on the brain and body
· Understand the impact of trauma on common spiritual practices
· Support the healing of those who have been impacted by trauma.
PRAISE FOR TRAUMA IN THE PEWS
“Trauma in the Pews [shows] how to break the cycle of perpetuating spiritual trauma and how to experience God and the church as a place of healing.”
- Mark A. Maddix, PhD, Point Loma Nazarene University
“Dr. McConnaughey not only makes the case for why churches and their leaders should be trauma informed but shows how leaders can truly be trauma responsive.”
- Julie Beem, MBA, Executive Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc.
“I highly recommend this book to those who seek to understand how trauma interplays with individual and communal faith tradition practices.”
- Rev. Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, The Faithful City & AZ Trauma Informed Faith Coalition
“This book is just what we as individuals, leaders, and churches need as we seek healing!”
- Thomas Jay Oord, PhD, Northwind Theological Seminary
“I gripped every word . . . this book serves as a healing catalyst while supporting faith-based leaders to transform truth into practice.”
- Mathew Portell, MEd, Trauma Informed Educators Network
“Trauma in the Pews is…a deeply grounded enactment of vulnerability, truth-telling, and possibility.”
- Michael Hanegan, Senior Fellow, The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute
“Janyne has given a gift to the faith community. Let those who have ears hear its timely message.”
- Kiersten (Adkins) Moore, MA, LPC, Executive Pathway to Hope
TRAUMA IN THE PEWS is a practical and compassionate roadmap for spiritual leaders to effectively minister to those struggling with effects of trauma. In spite of the challenges of our increasingly complex world, together we can create safer spaces for authentic healing and a deeper connection with God.
Very few come through life unscathed by some form of trauma. It’s been established through countless studies that well over half of the American population has endured significant trauma by the age of eighteen. Since many turn to faith communities in times of crisis, it’s reasonable to assume that there is an even higher percentage of trauma survivors among congregants. Without the right tools, it can be difficult to recognize or respond to those suffering in the pews.
Faith leader, trauma survivor and trauma informed expert, Janyne McConnaughey, PhD, brilliantly combines personal stories, insight and current research to equip readers
· Recognize the effects of trauma on the brain and body
· Understand the impact of trauma on common spiritual practices
· Support the healing of those who have been impacted by trauma.
PRAISE FOR TRAUMA IN THE PEWS
“Trauma in the Pews [shows] how to break the cycle of perpetuating spiritual trauma and how to experience God and the church as a place of healing.”
- Mark A. Maddix, PhD, Point Loma Nazarene University
“Dr. McConnaughey not only makes the case for why churches and their leaders should be trauma informed but shows how leaders can truly be trauma responsive.”
- Julie Beem, MBA, Executive Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc.
“I highly recommend this book to those who seek to understand how trauma interplays with individual and communal faith tradition practices.”
- Rev. Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, The Faithful City & AZ Trauma Informed Faith Coalition
“This book is just what we as individuals, leaders, and churches need as we seek healing!”
- Thomas Jay Oord, PhD, Northwind Theological Seminary
“I gripped every word . . . this book serves as a healing catalyst while supporting faith-based leaders to transform truth into practice.”
- Mathew Portell, MEd, Trauma Informed Educators Network
“Trauma in the Pews is…a deeply grounded enactment of vulnerability, truth-telling, and possibility.”
- Michael Hanegan, Senior Fellow, The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute
“Janyne has given a gift to the faith community. Let those who have ears hear its timely message.”
- Kiersten (Adkins) Moore, MA, LPC, Executive Pathway to Hope
302 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2022
37 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Janyne McConnaughey
4 books15 followersJanyne McConnaughey, Ph.D., nationally known trauma-informed author & advocate, lived with the effects of childhood sexual abuse from when she was three years old until she entered therapy and began her healing journey at the age of sixty-one.
Janyne saw the possibilities of healing for survivors and authored three books describing the effects of childhood trauma and the paths to healing.
Trauma in the Pews, her most recent book addresses the impact of faith and spiritual practices on all of us, but especially those who have experienced trauma.
Janyne’s passion is encouraging other survivors of childhood trauma to seek healing.
She is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tabor College (Masters in Education: Neuroscience & Trauma) and serves as Board President for the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN).
Janyne builds on her forty-year career in teaching, teacher education, and expertise in early childhood development to help educators, caregivers, and church ministry workers understand and apply trauma-informed practices.
Janyne, her husband Scott, and her rescue dog Weber live south of Seattle and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Janyne saw the possibilities of healing for survivors and authored three books describing the effects of childhood trauma and the paths to healing.
Trauma in the Pews, her most recent book addresses the impact of faith and spiritual practices on all of us, but especially those who have experienced trauma.
Janyne’s passion is encouraging other survivors of childhood trauma to seek healing.
She is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tabor College (Masters in Education: Neuroscience & Trauma) and serves as Board President for the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN).
Janyne builds on her forty-year career in teaching, teacher education, and expertise in early childhood development to help educators, caregivers, and church ministry workers understand and apply trauma-informed practices.
Janyne, her husband Scott, and her rescue dog Weber live south of Seattle and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 20, 2024
Summary: A guide to understanding spiritual development and practices with a trauma-informed lens.
As a spiritual director, I have been thinking about the role of trauma regarding spiritual direction. My training included a whole class on psychology and spiritual formation, primarily focused on ways to avoid moving into counseling or understanding our limits regarding addiction or other mental health issues. But there was no training directly about the role of trauma.
My wife is a teacher and has participated in training with the Attachment and Trauma Network (ATN), a non-profit that attempts to support families, schools, and communities to become trauma-informed. The president of ATN, Janyne McConnaughey, spoke at an online conference on religious trauma last spring, and I finally got around to watching her session. That session led to watching a podcast, where I saw that Dr. McConnaughey had a book designed to help churches and church leaders become trauma aware. My wife has read a couple of Dr. McConnaughey's books, so I had context for Trauma in the Pews.
Trauma in the Pews has three parts. First, there is a brief introduction to trauma and its prevalence in church settings. The second and the most extended section interacts with Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline and addresses 12 spiritual disciplines impacted by trauma. The final section is an introduction to how a church can become more responsive to ministering to, and with, those with a trauma background.
I have already purchased four copies of the book and given them away. I will recommend it to the group of spiritual directors I meet with for peer supervision. And I plan on buying more copies to give to friends working in church settings. I very much recommend the book. There are books on trauma that are more focused on introducing the concepts or discussing healing. But I am unaware of other books about the spiritual formation and development of those impacted by trauma. I am not unaware of trauma as a concept, but Trauma in the Pews was very helpful at thinking through ways that churches can unintentionally harm and push away people that ideally they want to help.
The book is very readable with lots of stories and illustrations. Every chapter has good questions that help you to process and would work with a discussion group. The chapters are relatively short and have a clear point.
I have three main takeaways regarding spiritual formation and trauma. First, trauma, especially trauma during the ages of most developmental growth, can often be misunderstood as sin. And some things traditionally considered a sin may be a survivor's best attempt at self-protection or addressing the trauma alone. Second, some trauma survivors' behaviors may seem aggressive or oppositional. But probably more likely for victims of developmental trauma are behaviors oriented toward getting along well. So trauma survivors may overcommit, do the tasks that no one else is willing to, or have inadequate boundaries, which Christians may significantly misunderstand as maturity or "a heart for service" instead of a trauma reaction. Third, we must address trauma, leadership development/training, and spiritual abuse as a preventative, not just after problems arise.
There were other points that Trauma in the Pews helped to confirm. For instance, as a concept, forgiveness is often misused in trauma situations. And people's image of God and their ability to receive love is often impacted by their family and social history, including trauma. And intention does not supersede the result; wanting to do right by someone does not mean they will receive your efforts as the right thing. And hurt people often hurt people. Of course, that does not excuse victims of trauma from victimizing others. But it gives context and why we need to help support healing.
I have about fifteen pages of notes and highlights that you can see here.
Overall, I highly recommend Trauma in the Pews. My only real complaints are about things where I wanted more. No one book can address everything. For instance, I think this article on Moral Injury in the church is helpful. And there are more details of trauma and the different types of trauma that could be helpful. For instance, this podcast on Betrayal Trauma gave me some additional context that is particularly useful in understanding trauma in systems like the church. Trauma in the Pews is primarily focused on developmental trauma, which is the expertise and experience of Dr. McConnaughey. Still, I want to explore and see if I can find more about how adult trauma may impact spiritual formation differently. Trauma in the Pews is a book that I hope will be more widely read and applied so that churches can become more trauma-informed and places of natural healing.
As a spiritual director, I have been thinking about the role of trauma regarding spiritual direction. My training included a whole class on psychology and spiritual formation, primarily focused on ways to avoid moving into counseling or understanding our limits regarding addiction or other mental health issues. But there was no training directly about the role of trauma.
My wife is a teacher and has participated in training with the Attachment and Trauma Network (ATN), a non-profit that attempts to support families, schools, and communities to become trauma-informed. The president of ATN, Janyne McConnaughey, spoke at an online conference on religious trauma last spring, and I finally got around to watching her session. That session led to watching a podcast, where I saw that Dr. McConnaughey had a book designed to help churches and church leaders become trauma aware. My wife has read a couple of Dr. McConnaughey's books, so I had context for Trauma in the Pews.
Trauma in the Pews has three parts. First, there is a brief introduction to trauma and its prevalence in church settings. The second and the most extended section interacts with Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline and addresses 12 spiritual disciplines impacted by trauma. The final section is an introduction to how a church can become more responsive to ministering to, and with, those with a trauma background.
I have already purchased four copies of the book and given them away. I will recommend it to the group of spiritual directors I meet with for peer supervision. And I plan on buying more copies to give to friends working in church settings. I very much recommend the book. There are books on trauma that are more focused on introducing the concepts or discussing healing. But I am unaware of other books about the spiritual formation and development of those impacted by trauma. I am not unaware of trauma as a concept, but Trauma in the Pews was very helpful at thinking through ways that churches can unintentionally harm and push away people that ideally they want to help.
The book is very readable with lots of stories and illustrations. Every chapter has good questions that help you to process and would work with a discussion group. The chapters are relatively short and have a clear point.
I have three main takeaways regarding spiritual formation and trauma. First, trauma, especially trauma during the ages of most developmental growth, can often be misunderstood as sin. And some things traditionally considered a sin may be a survivor's best attempt at self-protection or addressing the trauma alone. Second, some trauma survivors' behaviors may seem aggressive or oppositional. But probably more likely for victims of developmental trauma are behaviors oriented toward getting along well. So trauma survivors may overcommit, do the tasks that no one else is willing to, or have inadequate boundaries, which Christians may significantly misunderstand as maturity or "a heart for service" instead of a trauma reaction. Third, we must address trauma, leadership development/training, and spiritual abuse as a preventative, not just after problems arise.
There were other points that Trauma in the Pews helped to confirm. For instance, as a concept, forgiveness is often misused in trauma situations. And people's image of God and their ability to receive love is often impacted by their family and social history, including trauma. And intention does not supersede the result; wanting to do right by someone does not mean they will receive your efforts as the right thing. And hurt people often hurt people. Of course, that does not excuse victims of trauma from victimizing others. But it gives context and why we need to help support healing.
I have about fifteen pages of notes and highlights that you can see here.
Overall, I highly recommend Trauma in the Pews. My only real complaints are about things where I wanted more. No one book can address everything. For instance, I think this article on Moral Injury in the church is helpful. And there are more details of trauma and the different types of trauma that could be helpful. For instance, this podcast on Betrayal Trauma gave me some additional context that is particularly useful in understanding trauma in systems like the church. Trauma in the Pews is primarily focused on developmental trauma, which is the expertise and experience of Dr. McConnaughey. Still, I want to explore and see if I can find more about how adult trauma may impact spiritual formation differently. Trauma in the Pews is a book that I hope will be more widely read and applied so that churches can become more trauma-informed and places of natural healing.
January 31, 2024
Great book. Every church leader ought to read this. I even interviewed the author on my podcast in 2023.
July 17, 2023
This is such a needed book and I highly recommend it for folks who have experienced trauma & for the spiritual leaders who engage with them. It is a very accessible but powerful read! I’ve read quite a few books related to trauma, but this is the first 1 I’ve read that applies directly to faith & spiritual practices & explains clearly how trauma impacts our faith journey.
It begins with an overview of what trauma is & the impact it can have on spiritual practices. She has chapters on spiritual practices (meditation, prayer, fasting, & study) & how to view them through a trauma lens—common issues as well as suggestions for creative adaptations in order to be trauma sensitive. She discusses how & why trauma survivors fear the world & thus struggle with principles such as simplicity, solitude, silence, & submission. She explains why traumatized people may fear the church & has suggestions for how to minister effectively to those impacted by trauma.
I was impressed with how much ground this book covers in an easy-to-understand way. I would pair it with other books that take a more in-depth look at trauma, but I think it fills a gap in the literature I’ve seen on this topic. The overarching message is the need to, & how to, become a trauma responsive church in order to serve hurting people. She emphasizes how damaging “worm theology” is from a trauma informed perspective. It will also be a healing, encouraging read for those struggling with church & spiritual practices but unsure how to move forward in their faith journey.
The more I learn about trauma-informed care, the more I believe what is good for traumatized folks is good for everyone b/c we’ve all been and/or will be impacted by trauma at some point in our lives, & too many of us have experienced it through religious institutions & leaders. As so many people are experiencing deconstruction & reconstruction, this is highly relevant. To me, it seems to pinpoint how our religious institutions must adapt in order to be relevant & healing spaces. I loved this book & this message & believe in it wholeheartedly!
It begins with an overview of what trauma is & the impact it can have on spiritual practices. She has chapters on spiritual practices (meditation, prayer, fasting, & study) & how to view them through a trauma lens—common issues as well as suggestions for creative adaptations in order to be trauma sensitive. She discusses how & why trauma survivors fear the world & thus struggle with principles such as simplicity, solitude, silence, & submission. She explains why traumatized people may fear the church & has suggestions for how to minister effectively to those impacted by trauma.
I was impressed with how much ground this book covers in an easy-to-understand way. I would pair it with other books that take a more in-depth look at trauma, but I think it fills a gap in the literature I’ve seen on this topic. The overarching message is the need to, & how to, become a trauma responsive church in order to serve hurting people. She emphasizes how damaging “worm theology” is from a trauma informed perspective. It will also be a healing, encouraging read for those struggling with church & spiritual practices but unsure how to move forward in their faith journey.
The more I learn about trauma-informed care, the more I believe what is good for traumatized folks is good for everyone b/c we’ve all been and/or will be impacted by trauma at some point in our lives, & too many of us have experienced it through religious institutions & leaders. As so many people are experiencing deconstruction & reconstruction, this is highly relevant. To me, it seems to pinpoint how our religious institutions must adapt in order to be relevant & healing spaces. I loved this book & this message & believe in it wholeheartedly!
July 7, 2025
As someone with a personal background with severe trauma who has struggled with many of the church practices mentioned in this book, I finally felt seen. No more shame over my inability to memorize scripture, the emotional triggers I would have when trying to fast or body triggers I would feel when people would want to "lay hands on me" when praying. Reading this has encouraged me so much that someone else in the church is seeing the struggles that I and others have faced.
And as someone who has worked in full-time missions since 2007, I have been in some form of ministry leadership for a very long time. For the issues in this book that I hadn't experienced personally, my eyes were opened. It has helped me in serving others and being more mindful in the different ways that trauma can impact how others are able to participate in Church gatherings and the activities associated with it.
This should be required reading for all in church leadership.
And as someone who has worked in full-time missions since 2007, I have been in some form of ministry leadership for a very long time. For the issues in this book that I hadn't experienced personally, my eyes were opened. It has helped me in serving others and being more mindful in the different ways that trauma can impact how others are able to participate in Church gatherings and the activities associated with it.
This should be required reading for all in church leadership.
March 6, 2023
With the perfect mix of science, anecdotes and the personal experiences of the author, Trauma in the Pews educates the reader about what trauma is and how the Church must do better in its response to it. Just like no physician would prescribe penicillin to a person with a known allergy to it, churches must understand that their cherished and necessary practices of Bible study, prayer, meditation, service and meeting together can be fraught with triggers for trauma survivors. The author clearly shows how prescribing those things - without first walking with survivors on their healing journeys - can drive them away from the church.
Like Janyne, I too am a survivor of abuse in religious settings. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand trauma in ways that the church too often overlooks. I believe it is the only way we can truly help the hurting among us.
Like Janyne, I too am a survivor of abuse in religious settings. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand trauma in ways that the church too often overlooks. I believe it is the only way we can truly help the hurting among us.
August 31, 2022
This is a must read in your cult recovery journey! Actually everyone should read this book, because parents blindly trust mega churches and it is a playing field to use spiritual bullying over a child's head or even their parents to access their children. Many of my friends were abused as children from a spiritual cult and their parents thought it was a unique situation and they didn't report these once church leaders (predators) to the police.
Janyne put her strong intellect and experience in this very enlightening book to expose how these churches abuse these families and how they exploit these individuals.
I just authored a fun graphic novel called CULT GIRLS, it is a full color, comedic, educational, young divorcee's memoir of leaving the Jehovah's Witness cult.
Janyne put her strong intellect and experience in this very enlightening book to expose how these churches abuse these families and how they exploit these individuals.
I just authored a fun graphic novel called CULT GIRLS, it is a full color, comedic, educational, young divorcee's memoir of leaving the Jehovah's Witness cult.
March 16, 2023
Trauma in the Pews is a must read for anyone in ministry or church leadership. Janyne McConnaughey does not bash the church; she seeks to help the church understand the effects of trauma in the lives of those who attend—those in the pews. As a pastor’s wife and trauma survivor, I am grateful for the way Trauma in the Pews speaks to me personally and validates my own experience. I’m also grateful for the direction it provides to those in ministry who are willing to do the hard work of wisely supporting survivors, including welcoming their stories.
December 22, 2023
A very well-written book by someone who is trauma-informed and has spent years in the Christian education realm. She knows what she speaks. I appreciate the fact that she has retained her faith, but comes from a broad spectrum of Christianity. This is a compassionate look at how the church needs to understand that so many who sit in the pews have a difficult time connecting with God due to trauma. A helpful read for anyone in church leadership who truly wishes to understand the issues and how the church can respond and make worship a safe experience.
July 19, 2023
One of the best books I've ever read on the topic of trauma that occurs in the church at large. It's not a bashing of the church, but an honest look at what the church can do better to serve its masses who has suffered trauma. It's a must-read for anyone who works within a church, attends a church, is angry with a church, loves a church.
January 1, 2023
A great balanced look at trauma and how the church can respond
January 20, 2023
🏆 2022 BIBA® Non-Fiction: Psychology Winner!
August 1, 2023
McConnaughey's way of explaining church trauma is solid. She provides examples and true-life stories. Also included are tools for both clergy and parishioner to help overcome the results of this type of trauma. While churches will never be perfect, there is a whole lot of room for improvement and this book helps show the way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews