For Christian Leaders
Women need your help; do you know what to do?Be ready to help women impacted by abuse
With the growing awareness of abuse in Christian homes, education and training is crucial for Christian leaders to effectively care for those experiencing abuse. Learning best practices for care as well as understanding how God addresses abuse in Scripture will help pastors, lay leaders, counselors, and others in leadership positions. Clergy are often the ones whom women approach first. Would you know how to respond is someone shares their experience of abuse with you?
Here are five simple steps for Christian Leaders to take today:
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- Listen without judgment
- Validate her courage to share
- Assure her confidentiality
- Empower her to think about and plan for her safety
- Refer her to a domestic violence service like Hagar’s Sisters
Do you know what God Says About Abuse?
Coming Soon: The Pathmaker Program
Domestic abuse is surprisingly complex and dangerous. For Christian leaders who want to help those who experience abuse, you are in a precarious position and place of authority. Depending on your response, your words and actions may put them and their children at greater risk of harm.
To help alleviate this, we’re creating the Pathmaker Program. This 5-module online course provides education for Christian leaders, equipping them with practical domestic abuse information and tools to come alongside and support those experiencing a difficult relationship.
Through short videos, simple downloads, and practical steps, you receive a basic understanding of domestic abuse, a glimpse inside the mind of an abuser, healthy boundaries, and when to refer someone to Hagar’s Sisters.
The Pathmaker Program will be available on our website.
In my experience, seminary left me woefully unprepared to effectively recognize abuse, help survivors with the steps they need to take, and understand when and how to refer individuals. My definition of abuse was far too narrow. In my appointments with couples, I missed abusive behavior because of my limited understanding. I would encourage every pastoral team to educate themselves about IPA.
Associate Pastor, Woburn, MA