Commit to report prior instances of abuse not previously reported to law enforcement — even historical allegations . Prepare to contact other churches or programs where abuse might have occurred . Be prepared for an overwhelming response from hurting individuals reaching out for understanding and healing ; be the balm that the Church was intended to be .
ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE Courageously , Dr . Mel preached about child sexual abuse during the month of April . In fact , he announced in advance he would do so , and invited the entire congregation to wear blue that first Sunday — the color associated with Abuse Prevention Month . After the series concluded , Dr . Mel sent this feedback :
Yesterday , we had a special day to emphasize support for National Child Abuse Awareness Month . I have included a link to a livestream recording of one of our worship services from the day . I thought you might be blessed to watch it and know that your ministry is having a profound effect . The response to the sermons I preached about sexual abuse awareness ( using information we learned from you ) was overwhelming ! Anyway , I just wanted to thank you , your partners , and your staff . God is moving to help us , and He is using your ministry to do it !
churchexecutive . com
Congregational Response Dr . Mel reports that the congregational feedback was nothing but positive . The Care Team was trained and ready and responded well . One woman appeared to be overcome with emotion during the sermon and left the room . Counselors met with her and learned she was an abuse survivor , and her emotional response was not distress , but an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude that her church was talking about abuse — in a healthy and healing manner . At Dr . Mel ’ s church , members continue to approach church leaders regarding personal experiences , seeking help , resources and guidance .
URGENCY FOR CHURCH LEADERS Josh McDowell – Author and Christian Apologist : The Church knows me as an author , apologist , speaker and evangelist . Some know me as family : husband , father and grandfather . None of these are my identity ; my identity is in Christ . Other aspects of my life experience are less known : I am a sexual abuse survivor , having endured abuse at the hands of a hired farm hand from the ages of 6 to 13 . This is not my identity ; my identity is in Christ . Child sexual abuse is an issue of enormous proportion — even in the Church — which demands our attention and priority . Ministry leaders must understand that this is not a new problem . Rare is the
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