For the past several years,
the whole subject of sexual abuse in the church has been a sensitive topic. But
there is a need in churches today to take this topic seriously, because the
Bible takes this subject seriously.
Scripture addresses the
roles of church leaders in protecting their flocks from wolves. It also has a
lot to say about the compassion of God toward those who’ve been unjustly
mistreated and bruised.
The story of the Gospel is the story of redemption and healing
the broken. Christians are called to live out the Gospel not only in their
personal lives, but also within the church. Church leaders are called to
reflect Christ in a unique way as guardians and shepherds as they disciple the
congregation, enforce protection, and address sin within the church. This
includes protecting the innocent, whether those involved have been accused of
gross sin or claim to be the recipients of it.
Due to the nature of the
authority structure God has place in the church and the complexities of church
discipline, it’s not always a cut-and-dry procedure. The Bible contains the
basic structure of gospel-centered confrontation, restoration, repentance, excommunication,
and true healing, as well as the underlying principles of love and compassion that
must be involved every step of the way. But for me to outline how it should be
done would be overstepping my role as a woman in the church and communicate
oversimplification on a topic which requires much prayer, humility, and
discernment.
God has given more wisdom
to many pastors who have traveled this road already. This short post is simply intended
to provide a brief list of resources as a springboard in aiding this discussion
without overstepping the biblical boundaries.
RESOURCES ON DEALING WITH SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH
Bible Study:
Church Discipline - Matthew
18; 1 Corinthians 5-6; Galatians 6:1-5; James 4:4-10, 5:16-20
Elder and Deacon
Qualifications – Acts 20:28-31a; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1:5-16
Repentance – 2 Corinthians
7:9-10; Hebrews 12:6-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
Safeguarding
the Church:
G. R. A. C. E. (Godly
Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) – www.netgrace.org
Hammett, John, Those Who Must Give an Account: A Study of Church Membership and Church Discipline
Hammett, John, Those Who Must Give an Account: A Study of Church Membership and Church Discipline
Merkle, Benjamin L., 40 Questions About Elders and Deacons
Tchividjan, Basle, The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide for Churches and Ministries
Tripp, Paul David, Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry
Church Life:
Blackburn, Earl M., Jesus Loves the Church and So Should You: Studies in Biblical Churchmanship
Dever, Mark, and Jamie
Dunlop, The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive
Mack, Wayne A., and David
Swavely, Life in the Father’s House: A Member’s Guide to the Local Church
Marshall, Colin, and Tony
Paine, The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Set that Changes Everything
Biblical
Counseling:
Pink, A.W., The Nature of God
Shaw, Mark, The Heart of Addiction: A Biblical Perspective
Tripp, Paul David, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change
Dealing with
Abuse:
Holcomb, Justin, Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault
Nicewander, Sue, and Maria
Brookins, Treasures in the Ashes:
Our Journey Home from the Ruins of Sexual Abuse
Powlison, David, Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken
(Spanish edition of Putting Your Past in Its Place)
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