When sexual betrayal enters a faith community, ministry leaders often become the very first place someone turns for help. Yet few feel adequately equipped to respond to the shock, grief, spiritual crisis, and relational upheaval that follow betrayal.
Shepherding Through Crisis is a two-day, online training designed to equip pastors, church staff, lay leaders, and faith-based professionals to respond with wisdom, tenderness, and biblical integrity when someone in their community is walking through betrayal trauma. This training blends clinical insight with practical ministry application, helping you serve as a faith-based first responder – a safe and steady presence for the wounded. You’ll gain a clear, compassionate framework for walking faithfully with individuals impacted by sexual betrayal – including both women and men of faith.
You will learn how to
- Understand betrayal trauma.
- Recognize the spiritual crisis that often unfolds after betrayal.
- Respond without minimizing pain or over-spiritualizing.
- Navigate sensitive topics – boundaries, forgiveness, trust, reconciliation – through a trauma-informed, biblically grounded lens.
- Know when and how to refer for specialized professional care.
- Create emotionally and spiritually safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported
This is not just information – it is formation for how the Church shows up in its most sacred role: tending to the hurting with truth, tenderness, and integrity.
Who Should Attend
Pastors • Church Staff • Small Group Leaders • Women’s & Men’s Ministry Leaders • Lay Counselors • Ministry Volunteers • Anyone who desires to be a wise, safe presence for those experiencing betrayal or other forms of trauma.
Meet Your Facilitators
Dr. Barbara Steffens: Founding President of APSATS & Co-Author of Your Sexually Addicted Spouse
A leading voice in betrayal trauma care, Dr. Steffens brings decades of clinical expertise, research, and compassionate guidance for both ministry and mental health communities.
Lyschel Burket: Founder & Executive Director of Hope Redefined, APSATS-Certified Coach, and co-host of the Hope for Wives podcast.
Lyschel brings seasoned, pastoral, trauma-informed insight grounded in real-life ministry with betrayed individuals.
Together, they offer a training environment that is practical, deeply informed, and anchored in faith.
Event Details
Dates: April 16-17, 2026
Time: 9am–5pm EST each day
Location: Online (live via Zoom)
Cost: $250
Included With Registration:
- Handouts & presentation slides
- 30-day access to the video replay
When a member of your community whispers, “I don’t know who else to tell,” you will be ready – with language, tools, compassion, and clarity rooted in both trauma awareness and biblical wisdom.
Be Equipped.
Be Present.
Be a Safe First Responder.