Trauma in the Church: Navigating the Wounds of Clergy and Congregation

2027 SFSAZ Conference – January 30, 2027

Axiom Church – Peoria, AZ

Trauma in the Church: Navigating the Wounds of Clergy and Congregation

We acknowledge hurts and wounds in the church are real, and often overlooked or dismissed. In this gathering, we will address wounds and trauma for both congregants as well as clergy. Topics like:

  • Betrayal of trust — Harm through abuse, hypocrisy, manipulation, or moral failure by leaders or the community.
  • Rejection of belonging — Exclusion, shame, or conditional acceptance that wounds a person’s sense of being loved and accepted.
  • Distortion of God — Experiences that make God seem controlling, punitive, absent, or unsafe because of how God’s name or authority was used.

And, how do we process and heal?

This day will give space for processing if you choose and may open possibilities for moving forward. Whether you feel your hurts have been large or small, this day will honor and value each person’s journey.

Special Guest Adrienne Gibson, therapist and author of Traumatized Church

Worship, Main Sessions, Breakout groups for processing & reflection

Led by the SFSAZ Team and Adrienne Gibson

Conference Speakers

Adrienne Gibson

Adrienne Gibson is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), clinical supervisor for the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE), and the owner of Valor Counseling. She has been licensed for 19 years working with children, families, and adults and has served as a clinical supervisor and clinical director for two large community based mental health agencies in Arizona and Oregon. She has master’s degrees in counseling and New Testament. She regularly speaks on the topic of trauma and healing and consults with denominations on implementing trauma-informed care practices.

Schedule

Saturday, January 30, 2027

8:30 Registration/check in/coffee

9:00 Welcome/prayer/worship

  • Session 1 with Adrienne Gibson, “The Nature of Trauma in Congregations”
  • Prayer Exercise
  • Gentle Reflections on Trauma
  • Personal time for Reflection/Prayer

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Process Groups (groups led by Spiritual Directors and therapists for sharing/processing)

*groups will be highly structured and centered around listening

A space for individual reflection and prayer and processing will be available.

2:40 break

3:00

  • Session 2 with Adrienne Gibson
  • Worship
  • Communion

4:00 Final Blessing

Location

Axiom Church

8295 W. Jefferson st Peoria, AZ 85345

Registration

Early Registration September 1 to October 10, 2026 – $75 (no member discounts)

Regular Registration* October 11 – December 25, 2026 –  $89 non-member / $80 General Member / $75 Full & Professional Member

Late Registration* after December 25, 2026 – $99 non-member / $90 General Member / $85 Full & Professional Member

*Member Discounts Applicable

Lunch and materials are included in the cost.

GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 3 OR MORE for $79 per person! Contact connect@sfsaz.org for more details on how to register groups.