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9780310121466

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'Mending the Soul sets the standard for integrating biblical foundations and research-based approaches to healing the trauma of abuse. This major upgrade incorporates the Tracys' lessons of fifteen years of worldwide utilization and is an essential resource for pastors, counselors, and teachers whose goal is to bring whole-person healing to traumatized and abused people.' * <b> Gerry Breshears, PhD, professor of theology at Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon </b> * 'Steven and Celestia Tracy have done a remarkable job updating, refining, and elaborating on their seminal work. This new edition is well-organized and clearly written, covering difficult material with grace, thoughtfulness, and careful exegesis without being either academically dry and heady or simplistic and naive, ensuring that Mending the Soul remains on the bookshelves of another generation of graduate students, pastors, and laypeople. This is essential reading for every abuse survivor, therapist, and ministry leader.' * <b> Justin Smith, PsyD, LMFT, founder and director of The Family Room LLC </b> * 'Mending the Soul is therapy with God.' * <b> Christina Tree-Lasiloo, BBS, Indian Bible College </b> * 'Regardless of how tidy everything may look on the outside, one thing is certain--sitting in the pews of every congregation are women and men who are living with the effects of unhealed trauma and abuse. As a pastor and someone whose own soul needed mending from the abuse I suffered as a young boy, I'm a firm believer in the Tracys' message and ministry. We must go beyond simply acknowledging that abuse exists to offering the healing power of Jesus embodied in people equipped to walk alongside those who travel their own mending journeys. While exposing the depths of abuse's darkness, Steven and Celestia always point to the power of God's healing strength with humility, grace, and the utmost care.' * <b> Rick McKinley, founding pastor of Imago Dei Community, Portland, Oregon, and author of This Beautiful Mess </b> * 'Steven and Celestia Tracy deliver a thorough examination of the devastating problem of abuse and suggest practical ways to listen to, understand, and support victims of abuse. They tap into their experience as scholars and clinical and pastoral counselors, as well as share the fruit of their work on the African continent. This is an excellent resource for professional counselors, pastors, church leaders, and lay counselors to help those who need to regain their wholeness.' * <b> Honoré Bunduki Kwany, PhD, professor and rector at Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (Christian Bilingual University of the Congo) </b> * 'Mending the Soul is powerful medicine for the ancient pandemic of abuse. This resource is unique because it is refreshingly holistic. Steven and Celestia Tracy are expert tour guides who do not shy away from revisioning the spiritual realities of victims, while also unpacking the complexity of trauma. This book should be in every pastor's library and be essential fodder for annual training.' * <b> Andrew J. Schmutzer, professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and author of Divine Suffering </b> * 'Mending the Soul is a penetrating, delicately documented, hands-on guide to wholeness. Its fresh approach, energizing language, tangible case studies, mastery of human experience, and simple yet effective model make it a manual for anyone who wants to understand what is wrong with humanity, grow in wholeness, and improve relationships. It helps survivors know where to begin. If you are a minister, social worker, nurse, educator, or caregiver, this book is for you.' * <b> Jean-Pasteur Kahindo Katavo, Christian education program officer for the Baptist Community of Central Africa denomination </b> * 'Mending the Soul is a game changer. I participated in a MTS small group years ago in which the Mending the Soul book and workbook guided us to work through our experiences in a truly transformative way and to forge deep bonds through the sharing of our stories of suffering. Together we encountered the healing power of Christ. Steven and Celestia Tracy are leading the way in helping us understand the nature of abuse and equipping us with practical ways to move forward in the healing power of Christ.' * <b> Joshua Ryan Butler, pastor of Redemption Tempe and author of Beautiful Union </b> * 'In this updated edition of Mending the Soul, you can expect to once again be even more deeply moved by God's healing love. Steven and Celestia Tracy guide the reader in tracing the emergence of beauty and dignity from the dark distortions of abuse and shame. They equip you to provide real help to survivors, look evil in the face, and see our Lord Jesus doing his most stunning work in those difficult places.' * <b> Michael Rehm, LPC, Stillwaters Counseling </b> * 'Even with the explosion of technology, social media, and resources, hard truths remain about various forms of abuse that society and the church often want to ignore. Steven and Celestia Tracy boldly present the sobering truth about abuse and trauma with updated and relevant research and stories to educate the reader on today's more nuanced forms of abuse. However, the authors do not leave the reader in a place of despair. Rather, they courageously light the path forward with hope-infused stories of healing and redemption, along with the sharing of strong biblical evidence for God's hatred of abuse and for his redemptive plan to bring good from evil. This is a must-read for anyone searching for personal healing, as well as for caregivers who desire freedom and wholeness for those they love.' * <b> Kelsey Hawk, PhD, LMHC </b> * 'After five years of teaching Mending the Soul courses in Spanish in eleven Latin American countries and the United States, we saw such powerful healing from abuse and trauma that we started a nonprofit--Resplandece Internacional--to empower us to reach more people. We're grateful for this new edition of Mending the Soul in which Steven and Celestia Tracy combine their expertise to amplify their compassionate, community-based healing. We highly recommend Mending the Soul to all who want to better understand abuse and find healing for themselves and others.' * <b> Resplandece Internacional board members Magdalena Sánchez, interim president of the Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos; Carmen Quinche, Evangelical Covenant Church pastor; and Debbie Taylor, retired missionary, pastor, and therapist </b> * 'Every Christian leader needs a theology of abuse in this broken world, and thus every Christian leader needs this book. For almost a decade, the Mending the Soul book and workbook have been used as an essential part of our transformational curriculum for upper-division students. I can testify to the power of this model to help heal and transform the lives of our Native American staff and students, many of whom are planning to take this approach back to their tribes. I'm thrilled at the additional information provided in this new edition.' * <b> Dr. Jason Koppen, DMin, president of Indian Bible College </b> * 'In an era when we regularly learn of faith systems that not only condone but propagate and cover up abuse, Mending the Soul stands out as a trustworthy beacon of hope for survivors and those who care for them. With its integration of theology, social science, and practical application, this book serves as an essential resource for spiritual leaders to face head-on the dark and destructive nature of abuse and walk alongside victims in the painful journey of recovering from its staggering impact.' * <b> Cheryl M. C., survivor, Chandler, Arizona </b> * 'For almost two decades, I have watched the MTS model mend the souls of our students and heal our broader community. The new edition of Mending the Soul is biblically sound, trauma-informed, tested, and proven. Steven and Celestia Tracy are authentic, faithful servants who travel the world offering help and hope to victims of abuse both outside and inside the church. This updated edition will surely bless the next generation.' * <b> John DelHousaye, PhD, professor of Bible and theology at Arizona Christian University </b> * 'There is no better resource for pastors and ministry leaders who desire to build healthy and thriving communities than Mending the Soul. During the past decade, we've introduced MTS models to churches in Ecuador, the United States, and Spain and have witnessed God's power at work in each of these church communities. Steve and Celestia Tracy not only help us understand abuse for what it is--the result of the sin that entered the world after the fall--but they also provide a road map for moving forward. The MTS model begins with individuals and in time transforms churches and broader communities and leads to wholeness and healing through Christ.' * <b> Titus Folden, WorldVenture, Spain </b> *

'Mending the Soul sets the standard for integrating biblical foundations and research-based approaches to healing the trauma of abuse. This major upgrade incorporates the Tracys' lessons of fifteen years of worldwide utilization and is an essential resource for pastors, counselors, and teachers whose goal is to bring whole-person healing to traumatized and abused people.' * <b> Gerry Breshears, PhD, professor of theology at Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon </b> * 'Steven and Celestia Tracy have done a remarkable job updating, refining, and elaborating on their seminal work. This new edition is well-organized and clearly written, covering difficult material with grace, thoughtfulness, and careful exegesis without being either academically dry and heady or simplistic and naive, ensuring that Mending the Soul remains on the bookshelves of another generation of graduate students, pastors, and laypeople. This is essential reading for every abuse survivor, therapist, and ministry leader.' * <b> Justin Smith, PsyD, LMFT, founder and director of The Family Room LLC </b> * 'Mending the Soul is therapy with God.' * <b> Christina Tree-Lasiloo, BBS, Indian Bible College </b> * 'Regardless of how tidy everything may look on the outside, one thing is certain--sitting in the pews of every congregation are women and men who are living with the effects of unhealed trauma and abuse. As a pastor and someone whose own soul needed mending from the abuse I suffered as a young boy, I'm a firm believer in the Tracys' message and ministry. We must go beyond simply acknowledging that abuse exists to offering the healing power of Jesus embodied in people equipped to walk alongside those who travel their own mending journeys. While exposing the depths of abuse's darkness, Steven and Celestia always point to the power of God's healing strength with humility, grace, and the utmost care.' * <b> Rick McKinley, founding pastor of Imago Dei Community, Portland, Oregon, and author of This Beautiful Mess </b> * 'Steven and Celestia Tracy deliver a thorough examination of the devastating problem of abuse and suggest practical ways to listen to, understand, and support victims of abuse. They tap into their experience as scholars and clinical and pastoral counselors, as well as share the fruit of their work on the African continent. This is an excellent resource for professional counselors, pastors, church leaders, and lay counselors to help those who need to regain their wholeness.' * <b> Honoré Bunduki Kwany, PhD, professor and rector at Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (Christian Bilingual University of the Congo) </b> * 'Mending the Soul is powerful medicine for the ancient pandemic of abuse. This resource is unique because it is refreshingly holistic. Steven and Celestia Tracy are expert tour guides who do not shy away from revisioning the spiritual realities of victims, while also unpacking the complexity of trauma. This book should be in every pastor's library and be essential fodder for annual training.' * <b> Andrew J. Schmutzer, professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and author of Divine Suffering </b> * 'Mending the Soul is a penetrating, delicately documented, hands-on guide to wholeness. Its fresh approach, energizing language, tangible case studies, mastery of human experience, and simple yet effective model make it a manual for anyone who wants to understand what is wrong with humanity, grow in wholeness, and improve relationships. It helps survivors know where to begin. If you are a minister, social worker, nurse, educator, or caregiver, this book is for you.' * <b> Jean-Pasteur Kahindo Katavo, Christian education program officer for the Baptist Community of Central Africa denomination </b> * 'In this updated edition of Mending the Soul, you can expect to once again be even more deeply moved by God's healing love. Steven and Celestia Tracy guide the reader in tracing the emergence of beauty and dignity from the dark distortions of abuse and shame. They equip you to provide real help to survivors, look evil in the face, and see our Lord Jesus doing his most stunning work in those difficult places.' * <b> Michael Rehm, LPC, Stillwaters Counseling </b> * 'Even with the explosion of technology, social media, and resources, hard truths remain about various forms of abuse that society and the church often want to ignore. Steven and Celestia Tracy boldly present the sobering truth about abuse and trauma with updated and relevant research and stories to educate the reader on today's more nuanced forms of abuse. However, the authors do not leave the reader in a place of despair. Rather, they courageously light the path forward with hope-infused stories of healing and redemption, along with the sharing of strong biblical evidence for God's hatred of abuse and for his redemptive plan to bring good from evil. This is a must-read for anyone searching for personal healing, as well as for caregivers who desire freedom and wholeness for those they love.' * <b> Kelsey Hawk, PhD, LMHC </b> * 'After five years of teaching Mending the Soul courses in Spanish in eleven Latin American countries and the United States, we saw such powerful healing from abuse and trauma that we started a nonprofit--Resplandece Internacional--to empower us to reach more people. We're grateful for this new edition of Mending the Soul in which Steven and Celestia Tracy combine their expertise to amplify their compassionate, community-based healing. We highly recommend Mending the Soul to all who want to better understand abuse and find healing for themselves and others.' * <b> Resplandece Internacional board members Magdalena Sánchez, interim president of the Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos; Carmen Quinche, Evangelical Covenant Church pastor; and Debbie Taylor, retired missionary, pastor, and therapist </b> * 'Every Christian leader needs a theology of abuse in this broken world, and thus every Christian leader needs this book. For almost a decade, the Mending the Soul book and workbook have been used as an essential part of our transformational curriculum for upper-division students. I can testify to the power of this model to help heal and transform the lives of our Native American staff and students, many of whom are planning to take this approach back to their tribes. I'm thrilled at the additional information provided in this new edition.' * <b> Dr. Jason Koppen, DMin, president of Indian Bible College </b> * 'In an era when we regularly learn of faith systems that not only condone but propagate and cover up abuse, Mending the Soul stands out as a trustworthy beacon of hope for survivors and those who care for them. With its integration of theology, social science, and practical application, this book serves as an essential resource for spiritual leaders to face head-on the dark and destructive nature of abuse and walk alongside victims in the painful journey of recovering from its staggering impact.' * <b> Cheryl M. C., survivor, Chandler, Arizona </b> * 'For almost two decades, I have watched the MTS model mend the souls of our students and heal our broader community. The new edition of Mending the Soul is biblically sound, trauma-informed, tested, and proven. Steven and Celestia Tracy are authentic, faithful servants who travel the world offering help and hope to victims of abuse both outside and inside the church. This updated edition will surely bless the next generation.' * <b> John DelHousaye, PhD, professor of Bible and theology at Arizona Christian University </b> * 'There is no better resource for pastors and ministry leaders who desire to build healthy and thriving communities than Mending the Soul. During the past decade, we've introduced MTS models to churches in Ecuador, the United States, and Spain and have witnessed God's power at work in each of these church communities. Steve and Celestia Tracy not only help us understand abuse for what it is--the result of the sin that entered the world after the fall--but they also provide a road map for moving forward. The MTS model begins with individuals and in time transforms churches and broader communities and leads to wholeness and healing through Christ.' * <b> Titus Folden, WorldVenture, Spain </b> *

'Mending the Soul sets the standard for integrating biblical foundations and research-based approaches to healing the trauma of abuse. This major upgrade incorporates the Tracys' lessons of fifteen years of worldwide utilization and is an essential resource for pastors, counselors, and teachers whose goal is to bring whole-person healing to traumatized and abused people.' * <b> Gerry Breshears, PhD, professor of theology at Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon </b> * 'Steven and Celestia Tracy have done a remarkable job updating, refining, and elaborating on their seminal work. This new edition is well-organized and clearly written, covering difficult material with grace, thoughtfulness, and careful exegesis without being either academically dry and heady or simplistic and naive, ensuring that Mending the Soul remains on the bookshelves of another generation of graduate students, pastors, and laypeople. This is essential reading for every abuse survivor, therapist, and ministry leader.' * <b> Justin Smith, PsyD, LMFT, founder and director of The Family Room LLC </b> * 'Mending the Soul is therapy with God.' * <b> Christina Tree-Lasiloo, BBS, Indian Bible College </b> * 'Regardless of how tidy everything may look on the outside, one thing is certain--sitting in the pews of every congregation are women and men who are living with the effects of unhealed trauma and abuse. As a pastor and someone whose own soul needed mending from the abuse I suffered as a young boy, I'm a firm believer in the Tracys' message and ministry. We must go beyond simply acknowledging that abuse exists to offering the healing power of Jesus embodied in people equipped to walk alongside those who travel their own mending journeys. While exposing the depths of abuse's darkness, Steven and Celestia always point to the power of God's healing strength with humility, grace, and the utmost care.' * <b> Rick McKinley, founding pastor of Imago Dei Community, Portland, Oregon, and author of This Beautiful Mess </b> * 'Steven and Celestia Tracy deliver a thorough examination of the devastating problem of abuse and suggest practical ways to listen to, understand, and support victims of abuse. They tap into their experience as scholars and clinical and pastoral counselors, as well as share the fruit of their work on the African continent. This is an excellent resource for professional counselors, pastors, church leaders, and lay counselors to help those who need to regain their wholeness.' * <b> Honore Bunduki Kwany, PhD, professor and rector at Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (Christian Bilingual University of the Congo) </b> * 'Mending the Soul is powerful medicine for the ancient pandemic of abuse. This resource is unique because it is refreshingly holistic. Steven and Celestia Tracy are expert tour guides who do not shy away from revisioning the spiritual realities of victims, while also unpacking the complexity of trauma. This book should be in every pastor's library and be essential fodder for annual training.' * <b> Andrew J. Schmutzer, professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and author of Divine Suffering </b> * 'Mending the Soul is a penetrating, delicately documented, hands-on guide to wholeness. Its fresh approach, energizing language, tangible case studies, mastery of human experience, and simple yet effective model make it a manual for anyone who wants to understand what is wrong with humanity, grow in wholeness, and improve relationships. It helps survivors know where to begin. If you are a minister, social worker, nurse, educator, or caregiver, this book is for you.' * <b> Jean-Pasteur Kahindo Katavo, Christian education program officer for the Baptist Community of Central Africa denomination </b> * 'Mending the Soul is a game changer. I participated in a MTS small group years ago in which the Mending the Soul book and workbook guided us to work through our experiences in a truly transformative way and to forge deep bonds through the sharing of our stories of suffering. Together we encountered the healing power of Christ. Steven and Celestia Tracy are leading the way in helping us understand the nature of abuse and equipping us with practical ways to move forward in the healing power of Christ.' * <b> Joshua Ryan Butler, pastor of Redemption Tempe and author of Beautiful Union </b> * 'In this updated edition of Mending the Soul, you can expect to once again be even more deeply moved by God's healing love. Steven and Celestia Tracy guide the reader in tracing the emergence of beauty and dignity from the dark distortions of abuse and shame. They equip you to provide real help to survivors, look evil in the face, and see our Lord Jesus doing his most stunning work in those difficult places.' * <b> Michael Rehm, LPC, Stillwaters Counseling </b> * 'Even with the explosion of technology, social media, and resources, hard truths remain about various forms of abuse that society and the church often want to ignore. Steven and Celestia Tracy boldly present the sobering truth about abuse and trauma with updated and relevant research and stories to educate the reader on today's more nuanced forms of abuse. However, the authors do not leave the reader in a place of despair. Rather, they courageously light the path forward with hope-infused stories of healing and redemption, along with the sharing of strong biblical evidence for God's hatred of abuse and for his redemptive plan to bring good from evil. This is a must-read for anyone searching for personal healing, as well as for caregivers who desire freedom and wholeness for those they love.' * <b> Kelsey Hawk, PhD, LMHC </b> * 'After five years of teaching Mending the Soul courses in Spanish in eleven Latin American countries and the United States, we saw such powerful healing from abuse and trauma that we started a nonprofit--Resplandece Internacional--to empower us to reach more people. We're grateful for this new edition of Mending the Soul in which Steven and Celestia Tracy combine their expertise to amplify their compassionate, community-based healing. We highly recommend Mending the Soul to all who want to better understand abuse and find healing for themselves and others.' * <b> Resplandece Internacional board members Magdalena Sanchez, interim president of the Centro Hispano de Estudios Teologicos; Carmen Quinche, Evangelical Covenant Church pastor; and Debbie Taylor, retired missionary, pastor, and therapist </b> * 'Every Christian leader needs a theology of abuse in this broken world, and thus every Christian leader needs this book. For almost a decade, the Mending the Soul book and workbook have been used as an essential part of our transformational curriculum for upper-division students. I can testify to the power of this model to help heal and transform the lives of our Native American staff and students, many of whom are planning to take this approach back to their tribes. I'm thrilled at the additional information provided in this new edition.' * <b> Dr. Jason Koppen, DMin, president of Indian Bible College </b> * 'In an era when we regularly learn of faith systems that not only condone but propagate and cover up abuse, Mending the Soul stands out as a trustworthy beacon of hope for survivors and those who care for them. With its integration of theology, social science, and practical application, this book serves as an essential resource for spiritual leaders to face head-on the dark and destructive nature of abuse and walk alongside victims in the painful journey of recovering from its staggering impact.' * <b> Cheryl M. C., survivor, Chandler, Arizona </b> * 'For almost two decades, I have watched the MTS model mend the souls of our students and heal our broader community. The new edition of Mending the Soul is biblically sound, trauma-informed, tested, and proven. Steven and Celestia Tracy are authentic, faithful servants who travel the world offering help and hope to victims of abuse both outside and inside the church. This updated edition will surely bless the next generation.' * <b> John DelHousaye, PhD, professor of Bible and theology at Arizona Christian University </b> * 'There is no better resource for pastors and ministry leaders who desire to build healthy and thriving communities than Mending the Soul. During the past decade, we've introduced MTS models to churches in Ecuador, the United States, and Spain and have witnessed God's power at work in each of these church communities. Steve and Celestia Tracy not only help us understand abuse for what it is--the result of the sin that entered the world after the fall--but they also provide a road map for moving forward. The MTS model begins with individuals and in time transforms churches and broader communities and leads to wholeness and healing through Christ.' * <b> Titus Folden, WorldVenture, Spain </b> *

Author Information

Steven R. Tracy is Professor of Theology and Ethics at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary (MDiv, ThM), and a received a PhD in New Testament from the University of Sheffield, England. He was a pastor for fifteen years and has extensive pastoral counseling experience. He and his wife Celestia, who is a family therapist, are the founders of Mending the Soul Ministries, a non-profit Christian organization that provides training, curriculum, and education on abuse prevention and healing. Dr. Tracy is the author of various articles on abuse and sexuality, serves on the Governor's Commission to Prevent Violence against Women for the State of Arizona, and serves on the Fatality Review Team for the City of Phoenix. A Mending the Soul workbook is available for individual or group use, and can be obtained at: www.mendingthesoulministries.org. Celestia G. Tracy (MA Counseling/Psychology, Lewis and Clark College) is the vice president and resource director for Mending the Soul. Celestia draws from eighteen years of classroom, and professional clinical practice specializing in early childhood development and trauma care. She now works alongside her husband in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to create accessible trauma-care resources that integrate scientific and social research on abuse with biblical and theological truth. Celestia and Steve have facilitated trauma trainings throughout East Africa since 2007. Their sustainable trauma care models are now being implemented successfully around the world.

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