March 15, 2026 — Indianapolis Christian Theological Seminary will host the 2026 Faith & Action Spring Conference on March 19 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, addressing the theme “From Trauma to Transformation: Healing Pathways for Children, Families & Leaders.”
The one-day event, running from 8:30 a.m. registration to 3:30 p.m., targets faith leaders, nonprofit professionals and community organizers in Indianapolis focused on poverty alleviation and family wellbeing. Morning attendance is required for organizations seeking Faith & Action grants, with applications opening in March.
Keynote and Featured Speakers
Keynote speaker Chanequa Walker-Barnes, PhD, a professor of practical theology and pastoral care at Columbia Theological Seminary and clinical psychologist, will deliver the 9 a.m. address on living in a traumagenic society. Her talk draws on psychology, spirituality and racial justice to equip participants with trauma-informed practices for resilience amid mental health challenges, chronic stress and intergenerational trauma.[5]
A 10:15 a.m. breakout session follows, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Christina Jones Davis, Jay Chaudhary, Bwana Clements, Doneisha Posey and Larry Smith. At 11:15 a.m., a panel discussion titled “Strengthening Communities Through Trauma-Informed Practice,” moderated by Jay Chaudhary, features Rev. Dr. Dwight Holland, Rev. Dr. Preston Adams III, Brandon Cosby and Denise A. Senter.
Afternoon Workshop
The optional afternoon workshop from 1 to 3:30 p.m., “Stewarding Trauma, Empowering Resilience,” offers five continuing education units (CEUs). It covers recognizing secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue and developing personal care plans for faith-based professionals.[4]
Faith & Action Project Director Lindsey Nell Rabinowitch stated:
Of course, we care deeply about those experiencing poverty, but those engaged in this work often carry the same weariness as the people they serve. This is not only about finding solutions—it is about transformation.[5]
She added:
Renowned speakers help us think about new things, making us feel uncomfortable so that we can grow.
Announcement and Support
The Christian Theological Seminary to Host 2026 Faith & Action Spring Conference was detailed in syndicated press releases, including those from Lubbock Online, Examiner-Enterprise, Times Online, Asbury Park Press and PRWire India. The event is supported by the Mike and Sue Smith Family Fund, The Indianapolis Foundation, The Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Lumina Foundation and Petticrew Foundation.[1]
The Faith & Action initiative fosters collaboration to reduce poverty through grants for innovative programs. Past conferences addressed economic disparities, employment pathways and poverty-related mental health.[3]
Registration is available via the CTS events page.[2]