Pastors are often expected to be resilient, spiritually strong, and emotionally steady—especially in the face of crisis.
But what happens when church leaders themselves are carrying unresolved trauma from their own past?
In this episode of
Key Ministry: The Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with counselor and researcher Jeremy Smith to explore the often-unspoken reality of trauma in pastors’ lives and why addressing it matters for the health of the Church.
This conversation moves beyond theory and into lived experience, research, and gospel-centered hope, offering church leaders permission to name what they carry and practical wisdom for cultivating resilient, healthy ministry.
In This Episode
- Why a surprising number of pastors have significant adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- How unresolved trauma impacts leadership, resilience, and ministry longevity
- The difference between stress and trauma—and why that distinction matters
- How childhood experiences shape pastoral empathy, calling, and vulnerability
- Practical ways churches can support leaders without stigma or fear
“The things that happen to us as kids don’t just disappear. They shape how we lead, how we respond to crisis, and how resilient we can be.”
Trauma in the Background of Pastoral Leadership
Jeremy shares findings from his research examining adverse childhood experiences among pastors—research that reveals a significantly higher rate of trauma compared to the general population.
These early experiences often influence why individuals enter helping professions and how they respond to the emotional demands of ministry.
Rather than framing trauma as a weakness, this episode reframes it as something that, when acknowledged and addressed, can deepen empathy and strengthen leadership.
Stress vs. Trauma: Knowing the Difference
One of the most important distinctions discussed is the difference between everyday stress and unresolved trauma.
While stress may respond to rest, boundaries, and prayer, trauma often requires deeper awareness, support, and intentional care.
Recognizing symptoms—such as avoidance, emotional reactivity, or resurfacing memories—can help pastors and ministry leaders seek the right kind of help before burnout or harm occurs.
Building Resilient Leaders and Healthy Churches
The conversation emphasizes that caring for pastors’ mental health is not a luxury—it’s essential for sustainable ministry.
Jeremy advocates for churches that normalize wellness, prioritize support structures, and integrate mental health awareness into discipleship rather than isolating it as a separate “ministry.”
When leaders are supported, churches are better equipped to serve families, respond to crisis, and reflect Christ’s compassion to those who come from hard places.
About the Host & Guest
Dr. Steve Grcevich is the founder and president of Key Ministry and a child and adolescent psychiatrist with decades of experience equipping churches to serve families impacted by disability and mental health challenges.
Jeremy Smith is a licensed counselor working in community mental health and a researcher focused on trauma, resilience, and leadership. He partners with churches to integrate mental health awareness into ministry and is the creator of practical resources for church leaders.
