Description
Many Millennial and Gen Z parents express concern about bringing their children to church. They are worried that traditional forms of religious education may not align with their family’s progressive Christian values, causing trauma to kids or reawakening painful memories of their own early church experiences. The Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary worked with a Florida minister to create a set of six bible story lessons designed to explore head-on topics such as Feeling Safe in Our Bodies (Queen Vashti), Feeling Loved for Who We Are (Song of Songs), Feeling That We are Good Enough (Zacchaeus), Feeling Like We Can’t Escape the Past (Acts 6 community), Feeling Upset When Things Go Wrong (Psalm 13), and Feeling Empowered to Ask Questions (Habakkuk). The workshop will provide an overview of religious trauma, explain the principles behind the structure of the resources, and invite participants to explore the materials. Each participant will receive a free copy of the resource and learn how to create their own trauma-responsive family bible stories.
Workshop Leader: Karen-Marie Yust
Karen-Marie Yust teaches spirituality & Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary and directs their Children’s Spirituality Hub. She is the current president of the Religious Education Association and past president of the International Association for Children’s Spirituality. She’s ordained with standing in the UCC & Disciples of Christ traditions.
Co-Leader: Erin Reibel
Erin Reibel facilitates the innovation projects of the Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is the parent of four young people and has several years of pastoral experience, as well as a strong interest in trauma-responsive teaching.