Pastor Matthew with his grandson, Matthew
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope." 

Isaiah 42

“The “reed” is a person. The “bruise” is their suffering. To “break a bruised reed” would be a failure of tenderness or compassion that crushes the spirit or destroys the trust of the wounded soul”. ~ Peter Krol

Rev. Matthew Parker has served since 1985 in an inner-city community with many who have significant trauma in their backgrounds. Providing pastoral care in this context is challenging and fraught with unexpected and difficult-to-navigate situations, and often pastoral training does not include how to meaningfully engage on a pastoral level with people who are currently suffering from trauma or who have backgrounds of trauma.

Matthew has engaged personally with these matters for decades, and has developed, along with Mental Health Counselors at the Yonge Street Mission, effective training for community members to experience healing from trauma.

In partnership with Pastor Arleen Gomez of Church at the Mission, Yonge Street Mission, Matthew provides workshops for churches to become trauma-informed that probe and answer the questions: What is trauma? How does trauma impact individuals and their discipleship? How can Christians and churches respond to those living with trauma?

Enrichment Opportunities

Facilitation

  • Workshops to equip Christian Leaders to serve people in their communities impacted by trauma. This is a 90-minute presentation with breakout groups designed to increase understanding of trauma as well as the capacity to minister spiritually to victims of trauma
  • Personal coaching on how to navigate ministry among persons who are dealing with trauma

Delivery Options

  • Online Workshops
  • In-person Workshops (if local to Toronto)
  • Phone, video or in-person consultation

Contact

To get in touch with Matthew by email, please use the form below.