Church Hurt

Throughout my ministry, I’ve often met people who have been hurt by their experience of church. Of course, sometimes their complaint may not be justified – but sometimes it is, and that should not be! We are here to heal not hurt. But these people (often called ‘victims’, but who are really ‘survivors’, of abuse) are frequently ignored, not listened to. Consequently, many drift away, or deliberately renounce, their faith, and church, because they equate their treatment, at the hands of pastors, and/or church members, with what Christ is all about. 

Abuse in the Church

In my last post, I examined the way inner psychological wounds manifest themselves in the behaviour of male church leaders. This operates generally in a worship of power, and abusive dominance, especially towards females.

As I re-read it, however, I realised it could be taken the wrong way. I was trying to understand some of the causes of such abuse, but let me make it clear: to understand is not to condone, or excuse. We need to combine an understanding mindset, with robust policies, procedures, and penalties, towards transgressions, by leaders.