For the first time in the seven-year history of the Stanley Grenz Lecture series, we were privileged to host one of our own professors, Dr. Chelle Stearns, as keynote speaker. The Series is offered in honor of former Professor Stanley Grenz, a prolific Christian scholar with a pastoral heart and deep intellectual presence.
Faculty, students, staff, and members of our community gathered to hear Dr. Stearns explore how a trauma-informed theology can help us find new paths toward hope and restoration. As a community, we were invited to reflect on the integration of theology and trauma with our bodies. “Our bodies,” said Dr. Stearns, “should be holistically included in our spiritual practices.”
“Hope is not an illusion, but a witness to God’s presence.”
Watch the full video of Chelle’s lecture on “‘My Heart Flows on in Endless Song’: Lament and Hope Through a Trauma-Informed Theology.” Following her lecture is a reflective panel discussion with Dr. Darren Sumner, Danielle Elliott (MATC ‘15), and Rev. Dr. Jane Roland. Each, through their respective lenses of theology, art, and integrative practices, offer valuable insight into Dr. Stearns lecture.