CHICAGO, IL (April 10, 2012) – The Department of Women Ministries will sponsor a training for small group leaders as it launches its partnership with Mending the Soul ministries (MTS) to help bring healing to abuse victims.

The training will be conducted May 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. The eight-hour training uses a researched-based curriculum.

The training is designed for pastors and laity, including seminary students and clinical counselors. People who complete the training will complete a MTS small support group before facilitating or supporting others in this type of ministry.

Yvonne DeVaughn, director of the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Advocacy for Victims of Abuse ministry (AVA), emphasizes that the training is not intended to be the “next step” for victims of abuse seeking their own healing. To move forward with MTS certification, individuals will need to complete a screening process to ensure that they are emotionally and spiritually healthy to lead a group.

Topics to be covered include “Theology of Suffering, Brokenness, and Compassion,” “God-centered Understanding of Abuse,” “Relational Safety,” and “Nuts and Bolts of MTS Groups.”

Presenters will be DeVaughn and Tammy Hallam, pastor of spiritual formation at Paradise Valley Community Covenant Church in Phoenix, Arizona. She also serves as an MTS regional director. She began implementing MTS support groups at the church in 2007 after experiencing significant healing from her own abuse. She currently is pursuing a certificate in spiritual formation through North Park Theological Seminary.

DeVaughn, an abuse survivor, has presented workshops on the issue in faith-based and secular environments, from churches to prisons in the United States, Latin America, and Africa.

Registration is $89. A block of rooms has been reserved at a special rate of $104 per night double occupancy. Click here for more information.