Abuse is no respecter of persons and it happens both inside and outside of the church walls. How does your church view domestic abuse? What is your church’s level of awareness of it? We believe church has a role to play in response to domestic abuse. We want to encourage every church to think about how they can reflect God’s heart and be a safe place of hope and healing for those who are suffering or have suffered domestic abuse. We need to take God’s hatred of abuse seriously.
TAKING A STAND
How equipped is your church to care and support those in need? What are churchgoers’ experiences of seeking support and guidance in relation to domestic abuse? Do you know what to do, what to say, what help to give to those involved in abusive relationships? What action are you taking to tackle domestic abuse, to help stop it – are you speaking out about it in order to challenge attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate it?
There is a responsibility on The Church to be salt and light – to not only bring a message of hope and healing to those hurting but to spiritually address the root of domestic abuse. We need to speak up and speak out and use the tools God has given to His church to come against this spiritual darkness.
We want to see churches that can alert people to the reality of abuse and help them prepare to take action, whether for themselves or their friends.
TRAINING
Our specialist training is aimed at church leaders and those with some pastoral responsibility, however, we encourage anyone with an interest in supporting victims to take part. It is vital that churches are able to to understand abuse, take action to protect the vulnerable and offer appropriate support to protect and prevent ongoing abuse.
As part of our training package, we provide everything needed to help you ‘unpack’ key issues of domestic abuse, while also providing bible based teaching that underpins the teaching and how we respond, as Christians, to domestic abuse.
Training will help you to appropriately address issues both inside and outside your church, sensitively support both victim and perpetrator and practice God’s best for relationships and families.
For more information or to make a booking please contact us.
Resources
We have collected a range of useful resources for Christians who are experiencing domestic abuse and for church leaders who want to know more or equip their churches to respond effectively to domestic abuse. Please click on the links to explore.
The Church Guide
We are committed to helping churches engage with the issue of domestic abuse, equipping them to effectively respond to disclosures, support survivors, and work with perpetrators. Restored has developed ‘The Church Guide‘ to give churches practical guidance.
The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So
This book by Helen Paynter, is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.
Walking with Domestic Abuse Sufferers
This book ‘Walking with Domestic Abuse Sufferers’ by Helen Thorne goes right to the heart of the matter: the human heart. We see how to walk with sufferers and apply the Bible to everyday-life situations.
Domestic Violence and the Church
This book by Helen Conway shares that the church’s role should not be merely to assist victims caught in violent families but more importantly to help eradicate domestic violence from our society.
The Survivor's Handbook
‘Restored‘ is a handbook for female Christian survivors of domestic abuse. This outstanding resource is aimed at supporting survivors on their journey to recovery. It is free for survivors.
Violence Against Women
When was the last time you heard a church leader teaching on the stories of violence against women in the Bible? This study guide aims to deepen our understanding of these stories and increase our knowledge of the God of compassion who is moved by our suffering. Available from Waverley Abbey Trust as part of the Cover to Cover Bible Study Guides series
