In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus clearly defines the focus of His ministry. In Luke 4:16-19, Jesus stands in the synagogue in Nazareth, receives the scroll of Isaiah, and reads from what we know today as Isaiah 61. In His exposition of the text, He declares that He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit to proclaim freedom for captives, recovery of sight for the blind, release for the oppressed, and good news for the poor.
The people described in this passage are among society's most vulnerable. The language of poverty, affliction, oppression, and captivity reflects the realities faced by those who are suffering, marginalized, abused, and in need of hope. Jesus announced that God's kingdom had come for them.
Later, in Luke 7, the disciples of John the Baptist approached Jesus with an important question: Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? They asked while witnessing Jesus heal diseases, cure sicknesses, cast out evil spirits, and restore sight to the blind. Rather than offering a direct answer, Jesus pointed to His actions. He concluded by reminding them that "the good news is preached to the poor" and declared, "Blessed is the one who is not offended by me."
The challenge Jesus and the early Christian writers present to the modern Church is clear: joy, hope, healing, and restoration occur when the Good News is both preached and practiced among our most vulnerable populations.
Recovering the Full Meaning of the Gospel
Christianity in the United States has often been criticized, and sometimes rightly so, for neglecting the social justice dimensions of Jesus' ministry. The Gospel has frequently been reduced to a plan of salvation, a moment of conversion, or the future promise of heaven.
While these truths remain central to the Christian faith, Jesus proclaimed a Gospel that also addressed present realities. His message brought freedom to those in bondage, hope to those in despair, and peace to those experiencing suffering and oppression. The Good News was not only about eternal life. It was also about God's healing and restoring work in the here and now.
Restoring Shalom Through Faith Communities
At Agape Community Ministries, our work focuses on domestic and sexual violence prevention, advocacy, and education. Our research indicates that many faith communities have lost the sense of peace and safety, or shalom, that those experiencing abuse desperately need in their daily lives, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Research consistently shows that clergy are among the first people victims and survivors turn to for help. Unfortunately, many faith leaders report receiving little or no training on how to recognize abuse, respond appropriately, or connect survivors with community resources. As a result, churches often struggle to provide the support and safety survivors need.
To address this gap, Agape Community Ministries has developed Clergy Cohorts that equip faith leaders to better understand domestic and sexual violence and to faithfully proclaim the Good News of healing, justice, and restoration within their congregations.
Hear From Clergy Cohort Participants
Faith leaders who have participated in our cohorts share how the training has transformed their ministry and their ability to support survivors and families within their communities.
Clergy Cohort Interviews
Research Findings and Community Impact
Our research has found that congregants report higher levels of hope, encouragement, and a greater desire to become involved in their communities when faith leaders preach and teach about Intimate Partner Violence.
The impact extends beyond the congregation. Clergy who complete the cohort report feeling more prepared to assist individuals and families affected by abuse. Many participants have also developed partnerships with local service providers, creating stronger networks of support and more effective pathways to help for survivors.
These collaborations demonstrate that churches can play a vital role in fostering healing and connecting people with the resources they need.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, we launched our third Clergy Cohort, and the program reached full enrollment. As this work continues, Agape Community Ministries remains committed to:
Equipping faith leaders to respond effectively to domestic and sexual violence.
Encouraging congregations to become places of safety, healing, and hope.
Supporting survivors on their journey toward healing and restoration.
Building healthy partnerships between churches and local community agencies.
Advancing research that strengthens the response of faith communities to abuse.
We believe that when churches embrace the ministry Jesus described in Luke's Gospel, they become places where the Good News is not only preached, but embodied through compassion, justice, healing, and advocacy.
How to Join a Clergy Cohort
Agape Community Ministries is seeking clergy and faith leaders who are interested in becoming advocates for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Ministry Cohort is a year-long learning community designed to equip leaders to develop sermons, lessons, support systems, and ministry responses that address abuse and promote healing within their congregations.
Through the cohort, participants receive training on the dynamics of abuse, survivor-centered ministry practices, prevention strategies, and ways to build partnerships with local service providers. Leaders also collaborate with fellow clergy who share a commitment to creating safer and more compassionate faith communities.
While our Fall 2026 cohort is full, we encourage interested clergy and faith leaders to inquire about future cohorts and upcoming opportunities.
To learn more or express interest in a future cohort:
Email: ron@agapecm.org
By participating in a Clergy Cohort, faith leaders gain practical tools to respond to abuse, support survivors, and help their congregations more fully embody the healing and restorative ministry of Jesus Christ