S6 E40 | Dr. Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson | How Trauma-Informed Ministry Heals the Body of Christ
The Alabaster JarShow Notes
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.
More from The Alabaster Jar
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohicks continues our 4-part episode series on the Cross of Christ with Dr. Jeannine K. Brown as they explore how the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus’s death and the cross. They explore the hints and predictions leading to the crucifixion, and how “taking up your cross” points to a life of humble service to others. Dr. Brown also highlights the faithful women who remain present through Jesus’s death and burial, along with the cosmic signs that signal death’s defeat. They also discuss Matthew’s recurring theme of Gentile inclusion and the need to interpret the crowd’s words about Jesus’s blood with care.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn kicks off a 4-part episode series on the Cross of Christ with Dr. Holly J. Carey as they explore the Passion narrative in the Gospel of Mark. They discuss how Mark’s fast-paced story leads to the cross, the shame of crucifixion, and Jesus’s predictions of his death and resurrection. Dr. Carey explains how Psalm 22 illuminates Jesus’s cry from the cross and points to vindication through resurrection. They also consider the unexpected response to Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem and the faithful women whose witness connects the cross to the empty tomb.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with pastor and author Teresa I. Whitman about faith, theology, and artificial intelligence. They explore how AI works, the challenges of distinguishing AI-generated content, and concerns ranging from deception to data centers’ impact on communities. Whitman shares why she co-wrote Faith and AI: Theology in the Age of Thinking Machines with Claude and why she believes Christians and churches should engage thoughtfully rather than respond with fear or avoidance. Together, they consider AI’s limits in matters of prayer and pastoral care—and the importance of discernment, Scripture, and keeping God at the center.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Carmen Imes about Fierce and Faithful, a new kids’ book she co-authored with Dr. Nijay Gupta, highlighting 25 women of the Bible who dared to trust God. Carmen shares why children need more than “flannelgraph” versions of Scripture and how scholarly, historically grounded storytelling—complete with maps, sidebars, and name pronunciations—can still be fun and accessible for ages 8–12.
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Crista McKirland joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about her book A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church. They discuss how authority, leadership, and power should function in the church, emphasizing the dignity of all the saints and the call of every believer, not just pastors, to ministry.