Bridging Generations: How Millicent Cullum Shows the Church Can Heal
- Conscious Coore
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Where emotional safety meets biblical soundness—Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention® equips you to heal, lead, and serve with clarity and compassion.
Millicent Cullum belongs to what many would call the older generation of church leaders—a seasoned minister, a mother in the church, and someone who has witnessed decades of ministry unfold. At first glance, some might assume that people from her generation would not be interested in conversations about religious trauma or tools like Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention®.
But Millicent defies that assumption.
“I thought I understood religious trauma, but I hadn’t seen how deep and invasive it really is.”
Through her years of ministry, and now through her work with TISI®, Millicent has seen the layers of harm that religious trauma can cause: its impact on self-worth, relationships, community, and even how safe people feel with God. She recognizes that these experiences are just as real and just as devastating as any other form of trauma.
Her perspective is a bridge across generations. While older believers may have once considered discussing religious trauma taboo, Millicent’s willingness to engage with this work proves that transformation is possible. Her insight and experience show why TISI® can not only support individuals but also begin to change long-standing systems and structures within the church.
This understanding has reshaped the way Millicent listens and ministers. She doesn’t only hear words; she hears layers beneath the words—the silencing, the fear of judgment, and the courage it takes to speak truths that have long been held in.
Millicent credits her training for opening her eyes to these realities. One of the most transformative tools she now uses is Inquiry-Based Direction (IBD). Before ministering or praying for someone, she pauses to ask thoughtful questions, uncovering what’s truly happening beneath the surface rather than rushing to conclusions. This approach consistently creates space for God to meet people in honesty and healing.
Her role as a minister and mother in the church gives her added perspective. She has seen firsthand the consequences of unaddressed spiritual harm and the cost of silence in faith communities. Yet her example demonstrates that older leaders can lead in new, courageous ways, helping to build trust in TISI® and its ability to reform church culture.
“Healing begins the moment we stop prescribing answers and start listening with care.”
Religious trauma is real, and it is layered. Addressing it requires awareness, humility, and the courage to change systems that have long been unchallenged. Millicent’s witness reminds us that when listening deepens, healing—and systemic change—becomes possible.
✨ This column is part of our Jesus in the Marketplace series, highlighting believers who are carrying the light of Christ into their professions, communities, and callings in ways that bring safety, healing, and hope.
If Millicent’s story resonated with you, we’d love to help you take the next step. Whether you’re looking for mentorship in trauma-informed ministry or ready to begin your own certification in Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention®, you don’t have to walk alone.
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Conscious Coore is the founder of Flamingo Trauma Recovery and the creator of the Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention® framework. With a background in psychology, education, and inner healing ministry, she equips faith-aligned professionals to integrate clinical care and biblical wisdom for lasting transformation. Through her work with Jesus in the Marketplace, she highlights where safe and sound work is happening, even in spaces that often overlook the need for it.
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Email: conscious@flamingorecovery.0rg
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