I am pleased to announce that a NEW, 8-week version of the study, “Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks,” is now available. Two additional weeks of materials have been added to address caring for adults who are experiencing trauma and a “where do we go from here?” lesson on implementation and strategic next steps for congregations …
Tag Archive: ministry
Sep 09
Intermountain Moment: The secure base of relationship, why it’s essential!
Relationships are of vital importance to our experience as human beings in community with one another. A secure, loving and supportive relationship is the foundation on which we branch out and explore our world… not just as small children, but even as adults! Think of those times when by situation or circumstance you felt compelled …
Jul 19
IM Moment: How understanding toxic stress may change your ministry, with Todd Garrison
Most churches and fellowships look for opportunities to impact their communities and the world for the better. They do this through any number of ways: social justice initiatives, mission work at home and overseas, prison ministry, youth outreach, parenting classes, recovery ministries… the list goes on and on. One of the questions I am regularly …
Jun 13
Intermountain moment: “I love that little tornado!” with ML Rutherford
Parenting a child with emotional disturbance or another mental health issue, being a foster parent, and adopting a child from a trauma background… all of these can seem like living in tornado alley! (view the video and you’ll understand the reference!) I am so thankful for my friendship and partnership in mission with ML Rutherford, …
May 17
FREE RESOURCE for youth ministers… preparing to discuss 13 Reasons Why, season 2 (Netflix)
NOTE: This is a guest post from Tracie Dahl, LCPC, Middle School Therapist with Intermountain School-based Services (Helena, MT). It has been edited for use in a church setting by Chaplain Chris Haughee. 13 Reasons Why is about to drop its second season on May 18th. Since Season 2 is no longer adapting Jay Asher’s 2007 YA novel and …
May 15
From Covenant Companion: “Helping Kids Heal,” 5 Minutes with Chris Haughee
Five Minutes with Chris Haughee: Helping Kids Heal covenantcompanion.com/2018/04/16/five-minutes-with-chris-haughee-helping-kids-heal/ By Guest AuthorApril 16, 2018 Chris Haughee is a Covenant chaplain working at Intermountain Residential, an intensive residential program for children who demonstrate behavioral challenges with campuses in Helena and Kalispell, Montana. Chris and his family attend Headwaters Covenant Church in Helena. Who are the children …
Apr 30
“I stay near the pit” a poem written for the dedication of Van Orsdel Commons and chapel
I stay near the pit (inspired by Rev. Samuel Shoemaker’s poem, “I Stand by the Door,” and Psalm 40) © Chris Haughee, 2018. All rights reserved. I stay near the pit. My cry was heard and I was lifted from it. And while my feet are steady on the Rock and the path is …
Apr 19
Intermountain moment: when a child engages in self-harm or other scary behaviors
Cutting. Self-harm. It is a phenomenon much more common (it seems) today than twenty-two years ago when I entered children’s and youth ministry. It’s certainly not uncommon behavior in the emotionally disturbed children that Intermountain works with. That’s why I felt it was important to share a little with you from a conversation I had …
Mar 26
Becoming a church that welcomes ALL children – an Intermountain Moment
The most crucial and necessary first step to becoming a church that welcomes children with emotional disturbance from past trauma is to adopt an attitude of humility. It’s the humility that asks, “What must have happened to that child?” or “I wonder what I might have done to cause this child to react that way?” …