046: Unity in Diversity and the Work of Healing with the Religious Trauma Network

Are there communities that support survivors of religious trauma without being…religious? Spiritual abuse doesn’t only happen in churches. It can happen anywhere and to anyone, but there’s rarely space for all voices and experiences to be heard.

I recently spoke with the four founders of the newly launched Religious Trauma Network. These four are creating a place that proves you can have a community of healing without believing the same thing—and they want to help others find this for themselves.

In our conversation, they each share what led them into this career, how they met, and what the Religious Trauma Network is all about. My favorite part, though? They share what healing means and how it doesn’t have to look spiritual for it to be true.

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Guest Spotlight ✨

The Religious Trauma Network’s mission is to offer comprehensive information, resources, and support for individuals recovering from religious trauma while raising awareness and equipping professionals and organizations to create safe, trauma-responsive spaces inside their faith or healing communities.

Rebekah Drumsta is dedicated to supporting survivors of spiritual abuse and religious trauma. With over two decades of experience in various nonprofit organizations, she has been fortunate to contribute to meaningful work on a global scale.

As a consultant, coach, writer, and advocate, Rebekah aims to provide resources that educate and empower both survivors and the wider public about the complexities of spiritual abuse. Through her experiences and ongoing efforts, Rebekah hopes to foster understanding and healing for those affected by religious trauma.

Luke A. Renner is an innovative filmmaker, storyteller, and creative mind known for his deep exploration of complex emotional and psychological themes.

With over 25 years of experience in storytelling and communication across television and film, his portfolio spans a wide range of clients and brands, including the NFL, NASCAR, Royal Caribbean, White Castle, Home Depot, Panasonic, LG, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Universal Music Group. His work has brought him alongside legendary artists including Paul Simon, Andraé Crouch, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, and Bill and Gloria Gaither. A testament to his creative impact, Luke has earned multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications.

David Ruybalid is a pastor, dedicated advocate, and speaker focusing on religious trauma within the church. Through written works, in-person speaking, and frequent appearances on podcasts, he addresses the profound impact of these issues on individuals. His expertise extends to guiding victims toward healing, emphasizing resilience and recovery from the adverse effects of religious trauma and abusive experiences in religious settings. He accomplishes this by highlighting Jesus and illustrating how abuse in a Christian environment deviates from Jesus's heart.

Janyne McConnaughey is an award-winning, trauma-informed author and speaker. Her first three books, the Brave Series, are psycho-educational memoirs and her most recent book is Trauma in the Pews: The Impact on Faith and Spiritual Practices.

Janyne earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from University of Colorado—Denver and retired from a forty-year career in education. She currently serves on the Board for the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN) and is a Distinguished Visiting Professor for the Tabor College M.Ed. in Neuroscience & Trauma. Janyne and her husband currently live south of Seattle.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Books/Films/Resources Mentioned:

• Religious Trauma Network Blog (open to public submissions)
• Trauma in the Pews by Janyne McConnaughey  on Amazon | Bookshop
• What Lies Inside: Healing in the Face of Trauma film by Luke Renner

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Broken to Beloved is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to provide those wounded by spiritual abuse and religious trauma with practical resources moving toward healing and wholeness, and to provide pastors and church leaders with resources to grow in trauma awareness and implement safeguarding practices. Get more information or give a tax-free donation here. 

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