Biography

David Sedlacek has studied trauma in the form of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in seminary students and pastors in the field. The goal of this study is to examine the impact of ACEs on ministry success. Does a family history of trauma negatives impact future ministry outcomes such as marital conflict, relational challenges with members and church leadership, mental health challenges, or leaving ministry prematurely? Does exposure to trauma education or counseling in the seminary mitigate some of the negative effects of ACE trauma? He has also studied the traumatic experiences of SDA LGBTQ+ millennials both before and after they come out. He did a follow up study of the parents of LGBTQ+ children and what their experience was like when their child came out to them.

Current Research or Professional Activities

Sedlacek, B. and Sedlacek, D. Hope for the Hurting Heart, Message Magazine, Digital Ed. May/June, 2025. p.50-52.

Sedlacek, D. Ministering to Sexual Minorities. Spectrum Volume 53, Issue 2, 2025, p. 71-80.

Sedlacek, D. and Drumm, R. A Wounded Healer: Childhood Trauma’s Effects on Pastoral Ministry. Ministry International Journal for Pastors March, 2025, p. 14-17.

Sedlacek, D. and Sedlacek, B. (2023). Grieving Losses: It Takes Time. Adventist Review, June, 2023.

Sedlacek, D., and Drumm, R. (2023). “My well is empty”: Adverse childhood experiences among pastors. Ministry International Journal for Pastors. May, 2023. p.12-14.

Sedlacek, D., and Sedlacek, B. (2023). Healing a Broken Spirit. In Journal of Family Research and Practice: Mental Health (Claudio and Pamela Consuegra, Eds.). Columbia, MD: North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

Sedlacek, D. Trauma and Its Impact on Pastoral Leadership. Journal of Applied Christian Leadership. Volume 16, Number 2 FALL 2022, 30-45.

Trecartin, S., VanderWaal, C., Sedlacek, D., and Drumm, R. (2022). Depression and suicidality: Risk and protective factors found in LGBTQ+ millennials raised Seventh-day Adventist. Journal of Lesbian and Gay Mental Health. Online: https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2022.2138670, November 15, 2022.