In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick sits down with New Testament scholar Dr. Scot McKnight and trauma counselor Adrienne Gibson to discuss their new book, Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who are Hurting. Adrienne explains what trauma is, how it impacts the body and brain, and unpacks key concepts like complex trauma and the survival responses of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Scot then applies trauma theory to 2 Corinthians, exploring how the Apostle Paul himself shows signs of trauma in his relationship with the Corinthian church. Together, they outline what a trauma-informed church might look like today, highlighting pillars such as safety, boundaries, empowerment, and emotional awareness for both pastors and congregations.

Resources Mentioned:

Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who Are Hurting by Dr. Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson

2 Corinthians: Leading in the Middle of Tension (New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series) by Dr. Scot McKnight

Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors by Dr. Michelle K. Keener

Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror by Dr. Judith L. Herman

The Visual Museum for Women in Christianity

The Center for Women in Leadership

Episode Sponsor:

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.