. . we can't change the culture of an abusive church, because while an abusive leader is in power, there is a system of abuse involved. We cannot change an abusive system. But what we survivors can do is provide a safe place where personal stories are told, heard, believed.
Category: Mandatory Reporting
Is J.D. Greear just talking, or are we going to see action?
The SBC has been getting push back about selecting "designated survivors" to speak. Was he doing damage control by mentioning the names of the survivors/advocates they chose not to speak? Were the ones chosen to speak selected so that the SBC can control the narrative?
The Gospel Coalition on When to Report Pastoral Sin
Given the timing of this article coming out after the Houston Chronicle's report on sex abuse within the SBC, I would hope that The Gospel Coalition would offer better advice for reporting criminal behavior by a pastor.
SBTS President Albert Mohler Apologizes for Supporting C.J. Mahaney
"I want to believe that this is a genuine wake-up call for all church leaders to get their collective acts together and take sex abuse and cover-ups seriously. I just wish it came spontaneously from the hearts of leaders - you know, humble leaders who care about the souls in their flock."
Seth Dunn Tweets that a Woman Pastor is Just as Bad as a Sex Offender Who is Hired as a Pastor
It is people like Seth, who refuse to take sex abuse of children seriously, why we have had very little positive change in how child sex abuse cases have been handled.
Does the WASC Commission Letter Address Reports of Sexual Assault at The Master’s University?
"In 2015 The Department of Education cited The Master's University for violating compliance regulations around several areas, including the Clery Act and VAWA for calendar year 2012. TMU was fined $29,000 in 2017 for its non-compliance."
Tom Chantry: Update on His Molestation, Child Abuse, and Assault Charges; and Looking Back
Tom Chantry, Molestation, Child Abuse, and Assault Charges, ARBCA *** Back in his heyday, Pastor Tom Chantry was a highly respected commenter at Pyromaniacs blog hosted by various Calvinist dude-bros such as Phil Johnson, Dan Phillips, Frank Turk, et al. We know he has been on trial for child abuse, molestation, and assault charges. Today,… Continue reading Tom Chantry: Update on His Molestation, Child Abuse, and Assault Charges; and Looking Back
Tedd Tripp and Tom Chantry: Shepherding a Child’s Heart … or Not
Tedd Tripp, Tom Chantry, Failure to Report, Mandatory Reporter, Spanking, Shepherding a Child's Heart *** *** In the late 1990s, I attended a parenting seminar by Tedd Tripp. It may or may not be significant to note that the seminar was held at a Sovereign Grace Ministries church in Chesapeake, Virginia. Shepherding a Child's Heart… Continue reading Tedd Tripp and Tom Chantry: Shepherding a Child’s Heart … or Not
Classical Conversations #1: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Classical Conversations, Homeschool, Classical Education, #ClassicalConvMadeKnown *** About 10 years ago, I was at a homeschool family camp with my family in Washington state, and it was talent-show night. Previous years at the talent show, children and families sang, kids performed skits, or danced a routine. However, this year, there were a couple of… Continue reading Classical Conversations #1: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Paige Patterson Terminated, Effective Immediately: No Title, No Housing, No Ongoing Compensation
Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, SBC, #Churchtoo, #ChurchToo, #MeToo *** A new statement was just released at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: During the May 30, 2018, Executive Committee meeting of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) Board of Trustees, new information confirmed this morning was presented regarding the handling of an allegation of… Continue reading BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Paige Patterson Terminated, Effective Immediately: No Title, No Housing, No Ongoing Compensation
Sovereign Grace Church Leaders Remove Wife from Women’s Small Group Leader Position after Couple Asks Questions
*** Both Jeff Owens and his wife Sarah recently sent out a thread of tweets regarding a recent experience they had at their former (unidentified) Sovereign Grace church. I think these tweets deserve a wider audience. What you will read is not healthy at all, and people need to understand the dismissive and bullying behavior… Continue reading Sovereign Grace Church Leaders Remove Wife from Women’s Small Group Leader Position after Couple Asks Questions
Personal Story: What Did the Church Teach You about Yourself?
Spiritual abuse, sex abuse, patriarchy, domestic violence, Sovereign Grace, Desiring God, CJ Mahaney, John Piper, Mental Health *** *** Part of recovery from abusive churches is coming to grips with what you were taught and how it affected you. Sometimes, and very appropriately, the ability to see this clearly results in anger. Jennifer Michelle posted… Continue reading Personal Story: What Did the Church Teach You about Yourself?
Rachael Denhollander Challenges Sovereign Grace Churches to Respond Appropriately to Sex Abuse Cases
Rachael Denhollander, Sovereign Grace, Sex Abuse, Pedophiles *** Rachael Denhollendar (the Christian attorney and sex abuse survivor who brought down Dr. Larry Nassar) has been very busy since the recent case of convicted pedophile Dr. Larry Nassar. She is now taking on the task of drawing attention to how the church, specifically the leaders at… Continue reading Rachael Denhollander Challenges Sovereign Grace Churches to Respond Appropriately to Sex Abuse Cases
Will Those in the Real Gospel-Centered Churches Please Stand?
Gospel-Centered Movement, TGC, YRR, Calvinists, Jared Wilson *** Over at The Gospel Coalition website, Jared Wilson has published the Top 125 Influences of the Gospel-Centered Movement. Now, I admit at first, I had assumed that he was talking about all influential Christians. As I read more of his intro, I saw that he was really… Continue reading Will Those in the Real Gospel-Centered Churches Please Stand?
Rachael Denhollander, the Relentless Hero Who Loved Sacrificially, and Stopped Dr. Larry Nassar from Sexually Abusing More Girls
Rachael DenholIander, Dr. Larry Nassar, Sexual Abuse, MSU, USAG *** I normally write articles about church leaders or Christian groups. This is neither, but you will see soon discover that the hero in this story, Rachael Denhollander, is a Christian. In this story, you will see sacrificial love - love that puts the needs, safety,… Continue reading Rachael Denhollander, the Relentless Hero Who Loved Sacrificially, and Stopped Dr. Larry Nassar from Sexually Abusing More Girls
First #MeToo, Now #ChurchToo: Sexual Abuse, Harassment, and Mishandling in the Church
#MeToo, #ChurchToo, Sexual Abuse, Harassment, Church *** The hashtag #MeToo has been trending for quite some time on Twitter. Women who have been sexually harassed or abused have been identifying themselves as survivors of sexual harm, indicating it with the hashtag, #MeToo. But now, there is a new trending hashtag, #ChurchToo. The stories that you… Continue reading First #MeToo, Now #ChurchToo: Sexual Abuse, Harassment, and Mishandling in the Church
A “Systems Approach” and Some Historical Background on Dealing with Abuse and Violence
To deal with "systemic abuse," we must understand systems, victimization, and what makes individuals and institutions vulnerable. Guest post by Brad Sargent, with input from Julie Anne Smith. Cross-posted at futuristguy. * * * * * * * How will our church serve those who’ve suffered the harm of childhood sexual abuse, and seek to… Continue reading A “Systems Approach” and Some Historical Background on Dealing with Abuse and Violence
Book Review: The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide, by Boz Tchividjian and Shira Berkovits
Key component in a system of resources on child sexual abuse for policy makers, survivors, educators, and advocates. Guest post by Brad Sargent, with input from Julie Anne Smith. Cross-posted at futuristguy. * * * * * * * Spiritual Sounding Board was invited to participate in the Litfuse "blog tour" for the recently released… Continue reading Book Review: The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide, by Boz Tchividjian and Shira Berkovits
Kari Benton Shares: Spiritual Recovery after a Lawsuit and Spiritual Abuse
*** Some may recall the story of Titus and Kari Benton who were in a defamation lawsuit by their former pastor, Steve Wingfield, of First Christian Church of Florissant. The case was later dismissed, but when you are sued by your former employer and pastor, your long-term church home, and experience spiritual abuse, it takes… Continue reading Kari Benton Shares: Spiritual Recovery after a Lawsuit and Spiritual Abuse
Let’s Discuss: The Keepers, Netflix Documentary Series about the Murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik and Systemic Sexual Abuse
The Keepers, Netflix, Cathy Cesnik, Systemic Sexual Abuse, Catholic Church, Spiritual Abuse, Clergy Sexual Abuse https://youtu.be/Khr7dbuBjuE *** The Keepers is a new documentary series airing on Netflix. I have watched 5 of the episodes and it is excellent. If you have seen Spotlight, it is similar, however, the investigative reporters in this case are two… Continue reading Let’s Discuss: The Keepers, Netflix Documentary Series about the Murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik and Systemic Sexual Abuse
Spiritual Sounding Board 