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Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry
A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids
by Robert G. Crosby and Lori A. Crosby
Imprint: Cascade Books
James used to laugh and joke with the other third graders. Now he was angry, aggressive, and defiant. James was hurting, but Pastor Becky didn't know how to help. Like many children's pastors, she didn't realize that a child in her ministry was experiencing symptoms of trauma. She wasn't sure how to respond to his big feelings and challenging behaviors.
Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry: A Practical Guide to Reaching Hurting Kids helps children's ministry leaders understand trauma and strengthen their ministries to serve and disciple hurting kids.
Divorce, bullying, adoption, abuse. Learn how trauma touches the children you love and what most churches get wrong when it comes to teaching and disciplining children who have experienced trauma.
Why does Isaac keep talking back? Why is Sara under the table crying? Make sense out of the most frustrating, confusing, and heartbreaking child behaviors.
Through inspiring, real-life stories, discover practical, research-based strategies to begin transforming your ministry this Sunday.
Good intentions are not enough. Our changing society craves authentic churches equipped to reach all children. This powerful, groundbreaking book will help you: Cultivate caring relationships. Eliminate challenging behaviors. Encourage your team. And amplify your church's impact in the community!
Robert G. Crosby is Professor of Psychology at California Baptist University. A former youth pastor with over twenty years of experience in children’s and youth ministry, he holds a PhD in educational psychology and is one of the world’s leading scholars in the field of children’s ministry research.
Lori A. Crosby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor who specializes in treating children who have experienced trauma. She has been serving in children’s ministry for over twenty years.
“There should be no safer place for God’s precious, created child than the children’s ministry in our local church, especially for those with a history of trauma. This deeply important and practical book invites each of us into the conversation about what it really means for our children’s ministries to be safe and connecting spaces where the gospel can touch each heart.”
—Julie Cooper, Senior Vice President of Training and Curriculum, Trauma Free World
“If we really want our churches to be places for kids to meet Jesus and grow in their faith, we must build teams who are equipped to respond to all kids, regardless of their behaviors or unique needs. Robert and Lori give us the why behind some difficult behaviors and practical tips . . . on how to respond in ways that create connection and healing.”
—Kim Botto, Director of Training and Development, Found Village
“The Crosbys have expertly combined years of research with practical application to make reading their book an engaging experience. Their use of real-life stories makes it a joy to read and hard to put down. Anyone who desires to serve children who have experienced trauma in their lives will find this book extremely helpful. A must-read!”
—Leon M. Blanchette, Chair, Department of Christian Ministry, Olivet Nazarene University
“This is a book the field of children’s ministry needs now more than ever. The authors poignantly outline the profound impact trauma has on children. The text is both informative and transformative. Informative in providing a comprehensive overview of childhood trauma and transformative in inviting the reader to reframe their understanding of children’s behavior and develop a ministry approach that can offer healing. This book will change children’s ministry in crucial and necessary ways.”
—Heather Ingersoll, Executive Director, Godly Play Foundation
“This book is a must-read for children’s leaders who want to be used by God to bring healing to hurting children who have experienced trauma. You will learn the practical strategies needed to minister God’s love and truth to these hurting souls.”
—Krysten Sanderson, Vice President of Global Leadership Development, Every Generation Ministries
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