It is estimated that 43 percent of women under the age of forty-five have had an abortion. One in six women in the evangelical Christian church is post-abortive.1 We live in a culture that idolizes personal choice and convenience, and as a result, more women than we are aware of are dealing with the aftereffects of abortion. Because of this, we have to know how to minister to … [Read more...]
When church members confide abuse
We are living in an age where, due to the Internet, we have access to news that would otherwise be inaccessible. Every day several stories make their way through social media that outline the most recent case of horrific abuse; previously these would have been only local news. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, elder abuse, neglect, and other atrocities have become so common that … [Read more...]
Safe person: How to respond when people open up to you
Most people like to help others and that is a good thing, because we are surrounded by hurting people every day. They may be in your small group or Bible study, over your backyard fence, or in line at the store. The people in your circle of influence may share with you the difficulties and trials they have going on in their lives because their burden is too heavy to bear … [Read more...]