*You can read the previous post in this series here.
Part Two contains snapshots of our family’s story of church trauma and spiritual abuse.
Included within our story is how the Lord shaped our hearts through our oppressive church experiences, helping us identify where we needed to grow in greater dependance on our True Shepherd. Some of these stories may be triggering because they include details related to self-harm and abuse. Be wise regarding what you can and cannot engage at this stage in your recovery and healing. The reflection portions in this section offer you the opportunity to dive deeper into how your own story of church trauma affected you emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Engage this reflection when you feel ready and consider inviting a safe person to process with you.
Specific names and identifiers have been altered throughout our story as a means of protecting the vulnerable and focusing on broader patterns of sin and suffering and God’s redemptive work within them.
Specific church denominations are named throughout our story. There are good pastors and leaders in each of these denominations who love Jesus and his flock. However, each story is representative of a pattern of similar experiences within these denominations—our own, our friends, and our counseling clients. For the purpose of bringing clarity and healing to sufferers, I point out the faulty kingdom orientations that show up again and again within these particular denominations. These kingdom-oriented themes also play out across denominational lines, as they are common themes in the human heart.
My prayer is that our story—including the intensity of some specifics—will help wounded sheep feel less alone and engender Christ-centered hope.
*You can find other posts in this series here.
Pursued 