Trust
Is trust the foundation of your ministry?
In trauma-informed ministry, trust isn’t optional—it’s essential. But many people entering our churches carry deep wounds of betrayal, spiritual abuse, or relational harm. For them, trust must be earned slowly, consistently, and with care.
Here are eight dimensions of trust that can guide how we lead—and how we model healthy community:
Boundaries – Do we express expectations clearly and respectfully, without pressure or manipulation?
Reliability – Do we follow through on commitments, or do we sometimes overpromise and underdeliver?
Accountability – Can we own our mistakes and repair harm without blame-shifting or spiritual bypassing?
Confidentiality – Do we protect private stories, or are people afraid they’ll be shared as examples or gossip?
Integrity – Do we do what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable, unseen, or costly?
Compassion – Do we correct with kindness? Can we hold people accountable while honoring their dignity?
Honesty – Are we transparent in our decisions and communications, or do we withhold information to protect power?
Consistency – Have we cultivated safe patterns of behavior over time—or do people feel unsure of how we’ll respond?
Trauma-informed ministry begins by embodying trustworthiness—not demanding trust, but cultivating it.
Scriptural Foundation:
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord… and he will make your paths straight.”
→ Trust in leadership flows best when rooted in trust in God.
📖 Luke 16:10 – “Whoever is faithful in little is also faithful in much…”
→ Everyday consistency builds credibility.
📖 Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”
→ God draws near to those who have been wounded—and we must, too.
Personal Reflection:
How are you modeling trust in your leadership? What patterns are helping—or hurting—the trust people place in your ministry?
Action Step:
Choose one of the eight trust dimensions to focus on this week—in your communication, team dynamics, or pastoral care. Journal about how it shows up in your ministry, and what you can do to strengthen it.
Did you like this article?
Get these articles delivered right to your inbox each week.