Leading Community of Practice Gatherings: Advice from the Handbook
Communities of practice are the fellowships that sustain trauma healing ministry around the world. Here are some suggestions for leading a COP from the Advanced Facilitator Handbook (p. 61)—and here’s why you might want to.
The trauma healing community of practice (COP) is a group of people who help people suffering with trauma. This may include mental health professionals, administrators, funders, and facilitators.
Once trauma healing is underway in an area, it is time to organize a regular COP gathering to continue to improve skills, ministry, and motivation for the task. These gatherings can be organized on a national, regional, or city level.
The need for trauma healing is so large and urgent that churches and organizations cannot afford to work in isolation from one another.
Desired outcomes
Increase the skills and knowledge of facilitators
Increase the awareness of the trauma healing program model and materials for those yet unaware
Share developments in the trauma healing model and materials
Strategize together to respond to current challenges and leverage each other's ministries
Develop personal relationships with others working in trauma care
Encourage one another and pray for one another
Whom to invite
Master Facilitators in the area, and a selection of Training Facilitators
Mental health professionals
Leaders from all the churches in the area
Leaders of organizations
Financial partner
Planning the program
A community of practice gathering lasts between one and three days. The schedule can include:
Reports from people on their trauma healing activities, challenges, and successes. Have a large map of the area and have people indicate where they are working. Assess where trauma healing is strong and where it is still needed.
News of trauma healing from around the globe.
An assessment of the current need for trauma healing in the area.
Professional development: Identify relevant topics and find a local or outside mental health professional to give a topical presentation. You may find helpful resources on the THI website.
Problem-solving
Research results
Planning for the future
Care for the caregiver sessions
Prayer
