Resilient Church Collective

A statewide Texas initiative helping leaders of churches serving African Americans and
other people of color through trauma-informed healing.

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Equip Churches to Respond to Trauma

We feel traumas individually, and we feel them collectively as a community. As has been the case for centuries, many turn to our houses of worship for solace, guidance and healing.

Church leaders need guidance, too, as they help congregants process and heal from devastating events. And that is the heart behind this initiative called the Resilient Church Collective.

As part of this program, you will:

  • Support faith leaders in healing others, and themselves.
  • Gain knowledge on trauma and the signs and symptoms for trauma.
  • Make space for self-reflection and personal improvement.
  • Be part of a network of churches dedicated to supporting their congregants and the Black communities they’re a part of.
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Watch These Video Clips to Learn More

2024 Virtual Leadership Gathering

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RCC Year Two: Understanding the Foundations of Trauma

Program Details

Alliance in partnership with the Lilly Endowment is leading a 5 year initiative to strengthen Christian congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world.

What is the goal of the program?

The Resilient Church Collective’s goal is to equip and mobilize churches, throughout the state of Texas, to respond to psychological trauma experienced by youth and adults, including COVID-19, intergenerational trauma and community violence.

What is included?

The Resilient Church Collective will be delivered to two cohorts a total of up to 50 congregations. The first cohort is closed and currently in progress. The second cohort is beginning in 2025. Applications will be accepted from congregations beginning in June 2024, apply today.

Participating congregations will receive:

  • Trauma-informed assessment
  • Trauma-informed education and capacity-building services
  • Small sub-grants to support their congregations' healing-centered goals
  • Twice-yearly Congregational Leadership Gatherings
  • Pastoral support network
  • Access to the Healing Youth Alliance 3.0 curriculum
Who is this for?

Eligible churches serve predominately African Americans and people of color and are committed to serving the community outside its four walls. 

Leadership must be interested in tackling injustices such as:

  • Intergenerational trauma
  • Aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic
  • Police violence in marginalized communities
  • Mass shootings affecting youth and adult congregants
How do I apply? How much does it cost?

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the Resilient Church Collective. You may submit an application online. Applications are due by August 30, 2024. Alliance for Greater Works will notify those who have been accepted by November 1, 2024. The next stage of the program will begin January 2025.

There is no cost to participate. If you have any questions about the program, please contact us.

Apply Now
Grant Report

Further Reading on Individual and Collective Trauma in Faith Leaders

Secondary Traumatic Stress, Religious Coping, and Medical Mistrust among African American Clergy and Religious Leaders

The Future of Healing: Shifting From Trauma Informed Care to Healing Centered Engagement

Health Equity Considerations and Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups

Testimonials

Given the 'tsunami' of mental health challenges both during and since the pandemic, the Resilient Church Collective has been a helpful resource for our church. Take advantage of this opportunity.

"The Resilient Church Collective has provided incredible resources to help us better serve our congregation. It is absolutely worth every moment of investment."

"I strongly recommend the Resilience Church Collective for all pastors and ministry leaders who are serious about understanding the trauma within our congregations and communities."

"The Resilient Church Collective has been a source of exceptional training from leading experts in both pastoral care and clinical fields, enriching us with invaluable resources. These contributions empower us to better serve our congregation and extend our support to the wider community."

"Through the insights gained by being part of the Resilient Church Collective, our church is thinking openly and engaging creative approaches to our mental wellness ministry."

Thanks to the Resilient Church Collective for helping me understand the human and biblical perspective to mental health, and how it works together. I now understand it's not what's wrong with you? Rather it's what happened to you?

Pastor Linda Davis