Lesson Topics and Descriptions

Scripture and Traumatic Stress - God's Word is not silent on the psychological stressors caused by combat or in life. 

Defining Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Combat changes everyone, but some soldiers can develop lasting symptoms that dysregulate one's return to life after war.   

Defining Secondary Traumatic Stress - Soldiers are not the only ones who suffer from the effects of the war as spouses and children are susceptible to developing symptoms of psychological stressors.

Defining Moral Injury - Combat produces a complexity of encounters that can violate deep held beliefs in addition to posttraumatic stress. 

Christians and Warfare - The debate about Christians honorably serving in the military is very important regarding soul care.

Military Training: Transforming Civilians into Soldiers - Military service involves conditioning and training to prepare the soldier’s mind and body for the rigors of war.

Defining Posttraumatic Growth - Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) can provide a pathway for one to experience positive growth after a traumatic event.

Renewing Identity and Purpose - The military lifestyle creates a unique and strong identity and purpose. Transitioning out of military service can be challenging as veterans can experience a loss of identity and purpose.

The Church and Trauma-Informed Discipleship - Members of a local church can and should be engaged in trauma-informed care as part of the church's outreach and discipleship process.

Integrated Approach to Care: Ming, Body, Soul - A true holistic approach to care must embrace the entire person as made in God’s image.

Spiritual Disciplines and Discipleship - Spiritual disciplines are critically important to our spiritual growth as the children of God and can promote significant growth after trauma.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention - Understanding suicidal ideation and the steps to help prevent suicide.

Forgiveness and Hope - Forgiveness is a challenging topic for Christians but very important in moving forward while hope for lasting growth is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The Importance of Quality Sleep - Trauma can disrupt quality sleep that further impacts a veterans mental, social, and physical health. It is important to take active measures to regain a quality sleep cycle for Postttaumatic Growth.

Neuroscience: New and Needed - Neuroscience is a field of study that Christians should explore and be aware of while maintaining a primacy view of Scripture.

The Church and Mental Health Care - The local church is important and needed today in the care of those suffering from mental health issues.