CIRCLES of HOPE
BUILDING BRIDGES
Free Small Group Curriculum for Christian Families with LGBTQ+ children
GRIEF AND SPIRITUAL TRAUMA
As parents and children navigate the reality of coming out and the changing family dynamics, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions. Confusion, sadness, feeling overwhelmed, doubt, anger, fear, and even frustration are all common responses. Grief often remains a hidden emotion that encompasses this turmoil.
This is particularly true for Christian families with differing beliefs regarding their LGBTQ+ child’s sexual orientation.
What these families are going through is spiritual trauma.
REACHING OUT WITH COMPASSION
Providing a Safe Space
What does it mean to hold space effectively and support these families as they navigate this kind of spiritual trauma?
They are beginning a challenging spiritual journey.
They need spiritual support in a safe environment to express their grief, along with their serious struggles and questions, free from shame or judgment.
Providing a supportive space to connect with mentors and other parents during this journey will significantly enhance their ability to manage this challenge.
Circles of Hope is a free small group curriculum that includes facilitator training and support documents. It aims to assist organizations in creating a compassionate and supportive environment for parents to connect with mentors and one another on this challenging spiritual journey.
Guiding Principles
The Circle of Hope Curriculum uses a therapeutic approach: it organizes small groups into circular formations and guides them through principles and practices that promote a shared exploration process.
The curriculum is based on five trauma stewardship practices developed by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, a seasoned trauma worker and psychology researcher (2009). These practices foster a mindful presence when dealing with the effects of long-term trauma.
These practices incorporate the five faith catalysts created by Andy Stanley, a well-known author and senior pastor at North Point Ministries (2012). With years of pastoral experience, Stanley has consistently observed that these five elements represent how faith develops during challenging times.