So in one of the SBC threads this week, I was asked to try and present some solutions or tools that could help our churches and parachurch organizations with the topic of abuse. I found this article earlier today and wanted to share it with you all for input and discussion.
8 Ways SBC Churches Can Strengthen our Response to Domestic Abuse
- Recognize the multi-faceted nature of domestic abuse, which includes not only physical violence but emotional abuse, intimidation, coercion, threats, control, isolation, manipulation, and misogyny…
- Equip ourselves by learning from Christian counselors and leading experts on domestic violence…
- Reject the temptation to dismiss the victim’s claims…
- Be careful not to act too quickly…
- Recognize the effects of domestic abuse on the victims and their children. Victims and their children suffer in many ways…
- Denounce any interpretation of Scripture that sets up the man to be an authoritarian in his home…
- No matter a church’s view on divorce, it should be able to recognize that Scripture does allow for separation…
- Understand that there is a correlation between the Sexual Revolution and domestic abuse.
Justin Holcomb mentioned a checklist for people in abusive situations may also be of help; when I find it, I’ll add the link to this thread. Here are some other links from his website (www.justinholcomb.com):
- After Domestic Violence, Why Should a Christian Wife Call the Police, Not a Pastor, First?
- What Pastors Can Do about Violence in the Home
- Three Views: After Domestic Violence, Why Should a Christian Wife Call the Police, Not a Pastor, First? (paywall)
- 9 Ways to Protect Your Children from Sexual Abuse
