"Preachers Experience Trauma" with Rev. Jakob Topper

Sadly, traumatic events--such as abuse--are common in our society. And even more sadly, we rarely create spaces where victims of such trauma feel safe and welcome to share their experiences without shame. The result is that many walk around carrying burdens they didn't ask for and don't deserve, but they hold them and hide them because they're terrified of what might happen if they let the world see.

These people are everywhere--even in our churches. And they're not just in the pews; sometimes, victims of trauma are standing right behind the pulpit.

So what would happen if one such preacher dared to share their story of abuse so that others might feel safe and empowered to open up about their own? That's a question Rev. Jakob Topper (North Haven Church; Norman, Oklahoma) can help us answer. Jakob, himself a trauma survivor, has been open about his experience in front of his church, and he's joining the show today to share what it was like to assume that posture, and what happened because he did.

Hopefully, our discussion can not only encourage trauma victims to know they aren't alone, but also challenge those in positions of power to create safe spaces where survivors do feel permission to come forward and speak about their own pain.

Jakob is a proud ally of those who have endured abuse, and he invites anyone who has, and who needs someone to talk to, to contact him via email at jakob@northhavenchurch.net.