Why “Just Have Faith” Isn’t Always Helpful: Rethinking Language in Trauma-Informed Ministry

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In the realm of Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention®, we’re called to approach spiritual care with intentionality, compassion, and awareness of how trauma reshapes belief. While traditional forms of faith support can be uplifting for many, they often fall short—or even cause harm—for individuals who’ve experienced trauma, especially religious trauma.

One common misstep is the use of familiar but overly simplistic phrases like:

• “Have faith.”

• “Just believe.”

• “Have hope.”

These phrases, though rooted in scripture and often spoken with good intent, can be deeply triggering for someone whose trust in God, people, or doctrine has been shattered. Trauma survivors need more than words—they need clarity, safety, and space to rebuild what’s been lost.

Let’s break down why these words matter:

• Faith is a roadmap, shaped by doctrine and personal experience. It defines the belief system a person follows.

• Hope is the energy, the motivation to keep walking that road. It’s the expectation that there’s something worthwhile ahead.

Using these terms interchangeably—especially in directive ways like "just have faith"—can invalidate a person’s inner wrestling. It can lead to spiritual bypassing, pushing them to adopt beliefs they’re not ready for, and reinforcing shame or confusion when healing hasn’t happened yet.

“For those who are strong in faith or deeply indoctrinated, their belief system can often adapt to accommodate their faith.However, for individuals who have experienced psychological trauma, ensuring safety is a priority. These individuals may be reluctant to believe in something they have not yet seen. Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen, but 'substance' refers to the basis upon which we place our trust.When the true meaning of faith has not been deeply ingrained in a person’s heart, they may question, ‘Where is the merit or substance on which I am supposed to have faith?’”

This question is at the heart of trauma-informed care. It reminds us that faith is not a command—it’s a journey. And for many, that journey begins with rebuilding safety, not doctrine.

Yes, preaching can awaken supernatural faith. But when someone’s heart has been bruised by spiritual misuse or broken trust, sermons aren’t always enough. What they need is presence. Patience. Permission to question.

So, what should healing ministry look like?

It should look like walking beside someone—not ahead of them. It should include conversations that explore belief instead of imposing it. And it should always respect that faith grows best in soil that feels safe.

Let’s trade quick answers for slow listening. Let’s create spaces where people feel seen, not shamed. Because the Gospel doesn’t rush. And real faith? It always begins with trust.

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Conscious Coore is the founder of Flamingo Trauma Recovery and the creator of the Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention® framework and author of Fundamentals of Trauma-Informed Spiritual Intervention. 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.

consciouscoore.com

Email: conscious@flamingorecovery.0rg