The Church cannot faithfully shepherd what it does not understand. Trauma is shaping the lives of the people we serve—often quietly, often invisibly. It affects how people listen, trust, belong, and respond to the Gospel. Yet many of our ministry assumptions were formed without an awareness of its impact.

This primer, led by Dr. Christine Youn Hung and Dr. Sharon Prado, creates space to name that reality with clarity and care. Together, we will explore what trauma is, how it affects the body and relationships, and why a trauma-informed approach is essential for the Church’s witness today.

Whether or not you have used the language of trauma before, this conversation will help you see your people—and your ministry—more truthfully, and respond more faithfully.

Rev. Dr. Christine Youn Hung is a pastor, speaker, and Assistant District Superintendent for the Northern California District Church of the Nazarene. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Ecclesial Mission and Leadership. Her dissertation, “A Wesleyan Neurotheology of Belonging: Trauma-Informed Holiness and the Formation of Beloved Community,” reflects her integration of theology, trauma, and communal formation.

Dr. Sharon Prado serves as a Chaplain Supervisor for UCHealth in Northern Colorado. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Nazarene Theological Seminary. Sharon also has an MDiv and a BA in Organizational Leadership. Sharon's doctoral dissertation covers the topics of gospel, kenosis, and divine passibility. Her work integrates topics from the fields of psychology, anthropology, and theology. Sharon is passionate about the implementation of trauma-informed practices in the faith community.