Bonnie Nicholas

Thanks for the post! I'm convinced, due to the prevalence of abuse, that if our churches were better at responding to it, we would not have to worry about dwindling numbers in our churches; they would be full.

Churches have huge potential in the area of responding to abuse and those impacted by it. I often like to emphasize the value of a listening ear (we all have two of them) and a ministry of presense, which is so valuable. It's important to note that churches are not alone in this. Churches can act in a "walk-alongside" role with someone who is seeking other community and professional resources. Though churches rarely will have all the resources that are needed in dealing with abuse situations, we have unique resources, with our Lord and with his people, that are simply not available anywhere else. We need to do our part.

I agree with Mark that this is a sad day for people with disabilities; and also a sad day for me as a US citizen. Jesus has commanded us to love one another; to consider the benefit of others rather than grab at power for selfish gain. Jesus showed us the way to live, going to the cross himself out of his great love for us, his children. Where is love for others in the defeat of this non-binding bill, which shows support for rights of access to people with disabilities? What is the message we are sending to a watching world? Where has our leadership in human rights gone? It is very sad indeed. 

Thanks for posting this important article. My prayer is that many pastors will take time to look at the RAVE website and become better prepared to deal with family violence that affects so many Christians.

The mark of God's Kingdom is selfless love, using power in service to others rather than for selfish gain. Jesus is our example in Philippians 2. Though he has infinite power, he came down, humbled himself, became human, not to "lord it over us", but to love and to give his life as a ransom for many. In sharp contrast, the kingdom of this world uses power for it's own purposes, for selfish gain. You can see the difference when you look; it's the way to recognize the Kingdom of God. Our light shines in the surrounding darkness, and our Lord is glorified, as we follow the humble way of Jesus that consideres others before ourselves, using power in love. There is no place for abuse in this model.

I'm so very thankful that our God is all-powerful AND all-loving; and His Son has shown us what that looks like.

I really like this article; not just for youth but for all of us. Learning to recieve from the Lord all the goodness that he has for us is a real challenge; especially in a world where we are pressured to perform (and hide if we don't meet standards). it makes me think of Psalm 23. Our Good Shepherd provides all we need, He makes us lie down to rest and leads us to the green fields and quiet waters where He can refresh our souls. Then, contented and peaceful, we can follow Him along his paths for the honor of his Name (even through dark valleys). Even there He feeds us, our cup overflows, and his goodness and love follow us all our lives until we live with Him in heaven forever. What could be better than that! This is the Lord that we all need to experience. Space to rest and receive is golden.

These are such good questions to be asking; dialog is difficult but necessary. Sometimes with difficult dialog it's good to establish together a process and rules for the dialog that can be agreed upon - for example, during this dialog we agree to treat everyone with respect; search for the truth rather than repeating lies; agree to disagree when needed; etc.

I've also found Soujourners a helpful resource in thinking about some of these issues. They have a campaign called, "What would Jesus cut?

Thanks for asking!

This is good - very true. The leader plays such a key role. Asking questions that don't have easy answers (when you as a leader are searching rather than already knowing an answer and looking for your group to say the "right" thing). Being willing to share your own struggles. Bringing up an idea that we don't think about often, and allowing space for everyone in the group to have their own opinions and disagree with respect about it. In other words, it's just as you said; if the leader appears to have it all together and know all the answers, no one will be able to relate to that, it will not encourage others to be vulnerable, growth will be stunted. 

I've found that good small group materials can also be helpful. Our small group is using something called "The Gospel Centered Life". It's helping us to take a closer more honest look at ourselves and reveal things that we wouldn't have otherwise. It includes Bible study, an article for discussion and an exercise all around a theme. And the focus is on God and His Grace - what we all need.  http://www.whm.org/gcl .

See also this article, Anita Hill on Weinstein, Trump, and a Watershed Moment for Sexual-Harassment Accusations. It begs the question for me - what about in our churches? Is the culture changing there as well? Do we take allegations of sexual harassment and abuse seriously enough?

Thanks for these good words.

You can read about the Connecting with Your Community event here. 

This is a great article - thanks Monica. Simple things can mean so much. I love the idea of partnering with a local ribbon campaign, what a simple way to raise awareness and show support!