In this post, we discuss witnesses and evidence in our pursuit of justice within the church. Witnesses and evidence are not narratives told by the loudest voice, hearsay that can’t be cross-examined, or allusions to confidentiality. What evidence do we need before we attribute guilt in our ecclesiastical courts? Do the Scriptures give us any guidance as we seek justice with accuracy?
In abuse cases, we need to be aware of the trap of mutualization and equalization of sin lest we cause greater harm. What is sin-leveling in abuse and what is the alternative?
What does the seared conscience of an abuser look like? This person does not feel proper guilt or shame for his abominations as his conscience has been seared, as with a hot iron. After ignoring his conscience repeatedly over and over, his conscience has become calloused and no longer functions to warn him that he is in danger.
In spiritual abuse, oppressors inappropriately bind the conscience of others to their own advantage to control them. Learn how a properly calibrated conscience resists spiritual abuse and leads us to true freedom. Who is the Lord of your conscience? How can we be courageous when facing powerful oppressors who can harm and hurt us?
Counterfeits. We need to be able to detect them in order to not be defrauded and victimized. Take counterfeit money for example. It imitates the real thing, but is not real. If you are fooled, you’ll suffer harm. The $100 dollar bill you just handed me to pay for my $10 widget better not be… Read More »
As a Christian, using power the right way is important because it reveals what we value and who we worship. But what is the “right way”?
For those of you who missed #CCEF2023, or this year’s Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Conference, below are summaries of the main sessions. This year’s theme was “Trauma: How God’s Light Breaks into Our Deepest Darkness.” I hope these summaries will be a blessing to you. The conference audio is now available for purchase here.
Last year, I completed a course by Pastor Tom Pryde of Psalm 82 Initiative on abuse. He helps educate us to spot abusive relational systems so that we can help victims be fearless, free, and uncontrollable (a.k.a controlled by the Holy Spirit alone.) The class was immensely helpful to me in teaching me how to… Read More »
Chris Moles, a pastor and abuse counselor has a new book out to encourage church leaders and counselors to properly address and confront domestic abuse in their churches. His book, Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse: A Guide toward Protection, Refuge, and Hope, features wisdom from a team of counselors and abuse experts who work with both victims and perpetrators of abuse. Contributors to the book include Beth Broom, Kirsten Christianson, Joy Forrest, Chris Moles, Darby Strickland, and Greg Wilson.
Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the leaven of Pharisees. He knows man-centered religion is a real and present danger to his followers. Jesus kindly calls us to be vigilant, to recognize and guard against Pharisaism, so that we can experience eternal life found in Him. (Luke 12:1-12, John 5:39-40.)