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Doctors, nurses, chaplains and others gathered for our FMHF fall retreat on Oct 20-22. Our featured speaker, Robyn Florian, shared a wealth of theoretical, biblical and practical wisdom that churches can use to help promote healing of those suffering from past and current physical and emotional trauma.
Robyn graduated last May with a D.M. in Organizational Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary. This was a culmination of a four-year season of study focused on how to help people hope through intensive, integrated soul care. She is available to do weekend workshops for churches. A full summary of the weekend talks would take many pages.
The quote on her first slide called us to our task:
“The world is in awe of the church [when] the church is in awe of God. When the church lives in awe of God, the kingdom breaks out into the world. When the kingdom breaks out into the world, the world begins to believe in God. When the world begins to believe in God, the church receives them into community.” This quote is from the sermon series Wake Up Call with J.D. Walt; “They Understood the Assignment, Acts 5:12-16”
In her presentation, she mentioned neuroplasticy, which explains why people can change. The gospel is something that can change the shame narrative. This is really what much of her talk is about. Our communities and churches are filled with people who have experienced emotional trauma, and a pastor and church that understands this can really help these people believe in God and come into the church community.
She talked about hope, healing and resilience. She provided some theological and practical ways that church can help. She also discussed the theme: Renewal of the Mind, and Romans 12:2 .
For those who have suffered physical and emotional trauma, it will take more than a sermon or even a weekend retreat to truly heal. It will take an understanding, healing community, which is one of her major themes. How can a church become that? The Free Methodist Healthcare Fellowship encourages pastors and churches to learn more about these areas and become really healing communities. Feel free to contact Robyn or the Free Methodist Health Care Fellowship for further assistance.