Thanks to the now-infamous elevator video of NFL star running back knocking out of then girlfriend/now wife; the ugly truth of domestic violence has been brought to the forefront.
When I ask what is "Your Views on Domestic Violence?" I am interested in knowing what you as an individual feels about the subject, and what you and your church do when domestic violence hits close to home?
As a pastor, or deacon, or youth leader, or member of the church, what would you tell a victim of domestic violence, especially when it comes to staying in the marriage?
I think this is a relevant question for today's church to address, and I was wondering what provisions your church have taken to discipline leaders who may be involved in abusing a spouse?
What contingency plans does your church have in place to help an abused wife or woman, and if kids are involved, get to a safe place?
Does your church offer counsel directly, or do they have an arrangement to refer abused families for help outside the church?
In the past, and I'm talking 30 to 40 years ago; most churches turned a blind eye and a deaf ear from domestic abuse, and the only advice offered to an abused and battered woman was to be the good wife; think of your kids; trust Jesus to protect you and make things better; and simply stick it out because that was the wifely thing to do!
Today, that may not be the proper advice to give an abused spouse. In fact, more churches than ever, have set up contingency plans for such cases. They don't always happen, but when they do, from the Sunday School teacher, to the youth minister, to the church secretary, churches have trained their staff to recognize the signs of abuse, and how to address it in such a way that it doesn't scare the family member away from help.
Staff know what to do, and where to get a family member or members the help they need, and this is important.
So, what has your church done to address this not too common problem, and secure a safe place if needed for the spouse and kids, and step in if asked, to provide spiritual leadership?
Personally, I think this is the time and place for the church to step up and discuss this, because being a Christian doesn't mean abuse can't and won't take place! So maybe we can have a dialogue of sorts and get some ideas from each other as to how the topic is being addressed at the loca church level!
:thumbs: Thanks for sharing. I happen to think this is important! :thumbsup:
When I ask what is "Your Views on Domestic Violence?" I am interested in knowing what you as an individual feels about the subject, and what you and your church do when domestic violence hits close to home?
As a pastor, or deacon, or youth leader, or member of the church, what would you tell a victim of domestic violence, especially when it comes to staying in the marriage?
I think this is a relevant question for today's church to address, and I was wondering what provisions your church have taken to discipline leaders who may be involved in abusing a spouse?
What contingency plans does your church have in place to help an abused wife or woman, and if kids are involved, get to a safe place?
Does your church offer counsel directly, or do they have an arrangement to refer abused families for help outside the church?
In the past, and I'm talking 30 to 40 years ago; most churches turned a blind eye and a deaf ear from domestic abuse, and the only advice offered to an abused and battered woman was to be the good wife; think of your kids; trust Jesus to protect you and make things better; and simply stick it out because that was the wifely thing to do!
Today, that may not be the proper advice to give an abused spouse. In fact, more churches than ever, have set up contingency plans for such cases. They don't always happen, but when they do, from the Sunday School teacher, to the youth minister, to the church secretary, churches have trained their staff to recognize the signs of abuse, and how to address it in such a way that it doesn't scare the family member away from help.
Staff know what to do, and where to get a family member or members the help they need, and this is important.
So, what has your church done to address this not too common problem, and secure a safe place if needed for the spouse and kids, and step in if asked, to provide spiritual leadership?
Personally, I think this is the time and place for the church to step up and discuss this, because being a Christian doesn't mean abuse can't and won't take place! So maybe we can have a dialogue of sorts and get some ideas from each other as to how the topic is being addressed at the loca church level!
:thumbs: Thanks for sharing. I happen to think this is important! :thumbsup:
