Ministry in the Shadow of Trauma | OST Event

Ministry in the Shadow of Trauma: The Dynamics of Secondary Trauma in Ministry

Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Wang

Event Overview:
Join us at Oblate School of Theology for a special event featuring Dr. David C. Wang, Professor of Pastoral Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary.

The Christian faith is built upon a trauma — the trauma of Christ’s death on the cross. Even after his resurrection, the memories and wounds of the crucifixion persist (John 20:19–23). In this keynote presentation, Dr. Wang will explore this passage more deeply, drawing connections to recent research on the prevalence of direct and indirect trauma exposure among clergy. He will introduce literature on secondary and vicarious trauma and discuss how clergy and spiritual leaders can navigate ministry contexts where they encounter the emotional and trauma-related needs of the communities they serve.

The evening begins with an OST Alumni Mixer at 6:00 PM in the Whitley Event Center Lounge, followed by the keynote presentation for the public at 7:00 PM in the Whitley Event Center.

On Friday, February 6, 2026 (10:00 AM–12:30 PM), Dr. Wang will also participate in a Faculty Colloquium in Tymen Hall, offering further dialogue and reflection with OST faculty, students, and community members.

Event Schedule:
📅 Thursday, February 5, 2026

• 6:00 PM CST | OST Alumni Mixer – Whitley Event Center Lounge (Alumni only - In Person Only)
• 7:00 PM CST | Keynote Lecture and Q&A – Whitley Event Center (Public Event - In Person & Online)

📅 Friday, February 6, 2026 (In Person Only)

• 10:00 AM–12:30 PM CST | Faculty Colloquium – Tymen Hall (OST Faculty only - In Person Only)

Location:
Oblate School of Theology
285 Oblate Drive
San Antonio, TX 78216

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to attend.

MEET THE SPEAKER

David C. Wang, Th.M., Ph.D. is the Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders and Professor of Psychology and Spiritual Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He also serves as Pastor of Spiritual Formation at One Life City Church in Fullerton, California, and is a licensed psychologist (drdavidcwang.com).

Dr. Wang’s academic and applied work centers on the holistic formation of Christian leaders—cultivating emotional health and resilience alongside intellectual and spiritual maturity. From 2017–2024, he served as Editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology. His research interests include trauma and traumatic stress, spiritual formation and theology, clergy mental health, and topics related to multicultural psychology, peace, and justice.

He currently oversees research grants funded by the John Templeton Foundation and the Templeton Religion Trust on the human and spiritual formation of global and ecumenical Christian leaders (globalformationproject.com), as well as a Lilly Endowment initiative focused on mobilizing diverse local congregations to meet the spiritual and mental health needs of trauma survivors.