The following article is a reprint from Mission Alive’s Substack series Reimagining Church
In over thirty-seven years of ministry, Lori and I have worked with men, women, and children who have suffered at the hands of clergy, faith leaders, or family members who used the sacred texts and/or their congregations to abuse them. These leaders and individuals not only commit a horrible sin against Jesus, but they have also exploited his followers and coerced them for their own gratification. Leading and serving these survivors has been difficult, mainly because they have been so deeply wounded that it is painful to walk with them in their healing. Hearing the stories of their abuse can be emotionally draining and elicit anger and despair within our hearts read more…