How should the church respond to those with a criminal sexual history? People shouldn’t be defined by the worst things done in their lives, nor cast out and shunned like the lepers of old. Two truths must be held in tension: Churches must maintain a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment; and churches are called to exemplify God’s grace. This webinar explores how churches can navigate between these truths so that the church becomes a safe and healing community, a station of hope for those who are repentant and seek the Lord's help to make better choices and walk in righteousness.
Our presenters: Bonnie Nicholas is Director of Safe Church Ministry for the CRCNA. She's served on Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordinating Councils in both Ingham and Eaton Counties in Michigan and has facilitated many support groups for women who've suffered the devastating effects of abuse. Carol Rienstra is Chair of the Micah Center Beyond Prisoners Advocacy Group and Coordinator of Prisoners in Christ Committee at Church of the Servant in Grand Rapids, MI. Carol’s son is currently in prison for mistakes made in his youth unrelated to sexual misconduct.
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