Religious Trauma, Power, and the Life of Faith with Lonnie Yoder

In this first episode of a four-part series, Pastor Harry Jarrett sits down with returning guest Lonnie Yoder to begin an honest and thoughtful conversation about religious trauma. Together, they explore a working definition of religious trauma as emotional and psychological harm caused by religious beliefs, practices, or communities that produce fear, shame, control, or distress over time. They also discuss why this subject is often more complex than people realize, especially when questions of power, authority, church structure, and personal identity are involved.This conversation introduces several important themes that will shape the series ahead, including spiritual abuse, the trauma experienced by clergy who are defrocked for theological reasons rather than misconduct, and the lasting impact of persecution on faith communities. Along the way, Pastor Harry and Lonnie reflect on the role of pastors, teachers, and church leaders, the ethical weight of power in congregational life, and the need for healthier, more self-aware faith communities. This episode is a meaningful starting point for anyone who has experienced harm in religious settings or who wants to help build communities marked by wisdom, humility, and care.00:00 Introduction to the series04:28 Defining religious trauma08:27 Power and authority in religious systems12:43 Trauma versus offense15:20 Preview of upcoming episodes18:19 What does defrocked mean22:14 Why people often miss their own power31:14 Control, power, and authority in everyday lifeFaith in Process: Sunday’s CoolRecorded live on Sunday mornings at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Hosted by Pastor Harry Jarrett.Join us in person or listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or Substack.Learn more about our congregation at pleasantvalleyalive.org Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe