Being Known Podcast - Hospital Acquired Infection: Trauma in the Church

Introduction

• Hosts: Dr. Kirk Thompson and Pepper Sweeney, special guest Amy.
• Recorded on March 11th.
• Discussion about fluctuating weather and personal anecdotes.

Topic Overview

• Focus: Trauma in the church, referred to as "Hospital Acquired Infection."
• Title suggests how trauma can emerge in places meant for healing.

Understanding Trauma in the Church

Context

• Many people have experienced trauma within the church environment.
• The episode acknowledges the painful experiences some have had.
• Encouragement for listeners to seek help and connect with trusted individuals.

Sources of Trauma

• The church as a metaphorical hospital, involved in a spiritual war.
• Power dynamics within the church can lead to abuse and trauma.
• Historical examples of power misuse: Constantine, Charlemagne.

Influential Texts

• "Redeeming Power" by Diane Langberg.
• "When Narcissism Comes to Church" by Chuck DeGroat.
• Both authors discussed are known for their work in understanding church-related trauma.

Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) as a Metaphor

Medical Context

• Definition: Infections acquired in hospitals, difficult to treat.
• HAIs can stem from medical procedures intended to heal (e.g., catheters, surgical sites).
• Similar to trauma acquired within the church.

Church Context

• The church is a place intended for healing but can also be a site of trauma.
• Power and authority in the church can be misused, leading to spiritual woundings.

Addressing Trauma in the Church

Preventative Measures

• Being intentional and preemptive about addressing potential trauma.
• Leaders should be vigilant in maintaining healthy power dynamics.
• The importance of community and accountability (e.g., M&M boards in hospitals).

Healing and Reconciliation

• Encouragement to seek healing within the church context.
• Emphasis on the role of confession, repentance, and forgiveness in healing processes.
• Jesus' example of vulnerability and leadership in the face of religious abuse of power.

Personal Reflections

• Amy shares a personal experience with surgery and hospital care.
• Relates to the discussion on vulnerability and healing within trusted environments.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgment of the difficulty in reconciling church trauma but hope in the church's mission.
• Encouragement for listeners to reflect on personal experiences of church-related trauma.

Application

• Suggested reading of recommended books for deeper understanding.
• Reflection exercise on personal experiences with trauma in the church.
• Encouragement to discuss experiences with trusted individuals.

Closing Remarks

• Integration of personal anecdotes to illustrate key points.
• Reinforcement of the importance of being known and engaged in healthy church communities.