I Am What I Am

Episode 110: Is Your Church Ready?

Season 1 Finale

If someone discloses intimate partner violence at your church this Sunday, are you prepared to help them?

In our Season 1 finale, Felix Cervantes brings together the essential lessons from our first ten episodes and challenges pastors to move from understanding intimate partner violence to preparing their churches to respond.

We discuss leadership training, establishing effective referral processes, developing church safety procedures, and building relationships with qualified community resources. In our Let's Think Like a Pastor segment, we consider what would happen if someone disclosed abuse at your church tomorrow.

Key Principle: A prepared church doesn't wait for a crisis to decide how it will respond.

Scripture References (NKJV): James 1:22; Proverbs 22:3; Ephesians 4:11–12; Proverbs 11:14; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Proverbs 24:3–4.

Your Season 1 Challenge: Before next Sunday, take one meaningful step toward preparing your church. Start a conversation with your leadership team, identify qualified community resources, or begin reviewing your church's response procedures.

Thank you for joining us throughout our first season. Explore all ten episodes and additional pastoral resources at https://iamwhatiam.org.

Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.

But by the grace of God, I Am What I Am.

Episode 109: When Separation Becomes Necessary

When intimate partner violence is occurring, what should a pastor say when someone says, “I don’t think I can stay in this house anymore”?

For pastors who value marriage and reconciliation, that can be a difficult conversation. But separation and divorce are not the same conversation, and creating physical distance from an abusive situation does not necessarily mean someone is abandoning their marriage.

In this episode, Felix discusses how pastors can respond when a survivor is considering separation, why immediate safety must come before trying to preserve the appearance of the marriage, and why pastors should avoid becoming the survivor’s decision-maker. He also addresses safety planning, appropriate referrals, boundaries, genuine repentance, and the pastor’s continuing role after separation.

Key Principle:
Separation is not the same as abandoning a marriage. In situations involving abuse, creating distance may be necessary to establish safety, accountability, and clarity.

Let’s Think Like a Pastor:
What would you do if someone from your congregation told you, “Pastor, I think I need to take the kids and stay somewhere else for a while. Am I wrong for doing that?”

Scripture References:
Proverbs 27:12
Matthew 3:8
2 Corinthians 7:10
(NKJV)

Additional pastoral resources:
 iamwhatiam.org

Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.
But by the grace of God, I Am What I Am.

Episode 108: When Is Reconciliation Appropriate?

When intimate partner violence has occurred, pastors may eventually face one of the most difficult questions in the process: Can this marriage be restored?

In this episode, Felix Cervantes discusses why forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, and restoration are related biblical concepts—but they are not the same thing. Pastors must resist the temptation to make reconciliation the immediate goal simply because marriage is sacred or because the person who caused harm says they have changed.

This episode explores the importance of recognizing genuine repentance through observable fruit, respecting the survivor’s boundaries, allowing trust to be rebuilt over time, involving qualified professionals, and never using Scripture to pressure a survivor back into an unsafe relationship.

Key Principle: Reconciliation should never be the result of pastoral pressure. It should only be considered when genuine repentance, safety, accountability, and sustained transformation can be demonstrated over time.

Pastors are reminded that successful ministry should not be measured simply by whether a marriage remains together, but by faithfulness to biblical truth, protection of the vulnerable, genuine repentance, and wise pastoral care.

Scripture: Romans 12:18; Proverbs 22:3; Matthew 3:8; Matthew 7:20 (NKJV)

Learn more and explore additional resources at iamwhatiam.org

I Am What I Am Ministry — Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.

Episode 107: When the Abusive Individual Wants Help

What should a pastor do when the person causing harm comes asking for help?

In this episode of the I Am What I Am Ministry Podcast, Felix Cervantes explores one of the more difficult responsibilities of pastoral care: shepherding an abusive individual without minimizing the harm done to the survivor. Pastors are called to extend both truth and grace—but remorse should never be mistaken for genuine repentance.

Using biblical principles from 2 Corinthians 7, Psalm 51, Galatians 6, Proverbs 12, and Matthew 7, this episode examines what genuine repentance looks like and why pastors should look beyond apologies, tears, promises, and spiritual language to the fruit that develops over time. Biblical repentance involves ownership, humility, accountability, respect for boundaries, acceptance of consequences, and observable change.

Pastoral care should not simply focus on getting a marriage back together. The goal must be transformation. An abusive individual must confront the misuse of power, controlling behaviors, intimidation, justification, and the harm caused to another person. Specialized professional intervention may also be necessary because abuse is not simply a communication problem.
In this episode, pastors will consider:

•  The difference between remorse and biblical repentance 
•  Why apologies alone do not demonstrate lasting change 
•  How blame and justification can hide behind apparent ownership 
•  Why repentance must respect boundaries and consequences 
•  How pastors can evaluate repentance by its fruit over time 
•  Why reconciliation should never be rushed or guaranteed 
•  When specialized intervention and referral may be necessary 
•  How to extend grace without minimizing abusive behavior 
•  Why the survivor is not responsible for the abusive individual's transformation

Key Principle:
Repentance is more than being sorry about consequences. Biblical repentance produces observable change.
Faithful shepherding can hold two truths together: no one is beyond the transforming grace of God, but believing change is possible does not mean pretending that change has already happened.

I Am What I Am Ministry
Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.
“But by the grace of God, I am what I am.” — 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV)

Episode 106: Referral Is Not Failure

Does referring a survivor to someone else mean a pastor has failed to shepherd them?

Absolutely not.

In this episode of the I Am What I Am Ministry Podcast, Pastor Felix Cervantes explores why recognizing the limits of our expertise is an important part of faithful pastoral care.

Pastors are called to provide biblical guidance, prayer, compassion, encouragement, and spiritual care—but they are not expected to become trauma therapists, attorneys, domestic violence advocates, medical professionals, or law enforcement officers. Sometimes the wisest pastoral response is recognizing when someone needs specialized help and knowing where to find it.

But referral should never mean abandonment.

This episode challenges pastors and churches to move beyond simply handing survivors a list of phone numbers and instead begin expanding the circle of care—connecting individuals with qualified professionals while continuing to walk beside them as their pastor.

In This Episode

• Why pastors do not have to be experts in everything
• Recognizing the limits of pastoral care
• The difference between referral and abandonment
• Why churches should build referral relationships before a crisis occurs
• The roles of advocates, counselors, attorneys, medical professionals, and law enforcement
• How pastors can continue providing spiritual care after a referral
• Why survivors should be supported in making informed decisions rather than having decisions made for them
• Practical steps for beginning a church referral pathway
• A "Think Like a Shepherd" ministry scenario
• A closing prayer for pastors and church leaders

Key Takeaway

Another Principle to Remember

Scripture

Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) reminds us that there is safety in a multitude of counselors.

1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that God never designed one part of the body to do everything. Each part has a role and contributes something others cannot provide alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, 12 (NKJV) reminds us that we were never designed to carry every burden alone and that "a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

This Week's Challenge

Don't wait until someone discloses abuse to determine where you will refer them.

Begin identifying trusted resources in your community for domestic violence advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, legal assistance, children's services, emergency housing, medical care, and other needs survivors may face.

You don't need fifty organizations.

Start with a few trusted resources. Learn what they do. Learn what they don't do. Keep the information current.

That's how a referral pathway begins.

Ministry Resources

Visit iamwhatiam.org for biblical resources, practical ministry tools, referral information, and training designed to equip pastors and churches to faithfully recognize, respond to, and appropriately refer individuals experiencing intimate partner violence.

If this episode encouraged or equipped you, please consider sharing it with another pastor, church leader, or ministry team.

I Am What I Am Ministry
Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.

This episode is part of the Foundations of Pastoral Response series from I Am What I Am Ministry.

Episode 105: Building a Church That Is Safe for Survivors

What makes a church a safe place for someone experiencing abuse?

A church does not become safe by accident. It becomes safe through intentional leadership, compassionate preparation, and a commitment to reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd.

In this episode of the I Am What I Am Ministry Podcast, Pastor Felix Cervantes explains why creating a culture of safety begins long before someone ever asks for help. Learn how pastors and church leaders can foster an environment where survivors know they will be heard, protected, and connected to appropriate care.

Whether your church has fifty members or five thousand, every congregation can take meaningful steps toward becoming a place of refuge for those experiencing intimate partner violence.

In This Episode

•  Why church culture matters before a disclosure ever occurs 
•  The biblical responsibility of shepherds to protect the flock 
•  How leadership shapes a culture of safety 
•  Why preparation communicates compassion 
•  What survivors silently look for when they visit a church 
•  A practical "Think Like a Shepherd" ministry scenario 
•  The role of church leadership, children's ministry, and safety teams 
•  A closing prayer for pastors and church leaders 

Key Takeaway

Scripture

• 1 Peter 5:2–3 (NKJV) — "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers..."
• Proverbs 22:3 (NKJV) — "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished."

Ministry Resources

Visit iamwhatiam.org for biblical resources, practical ministry tools, referral information, and training designed to equip pastors and churches to faithfully recognize, respond to, and appropriately refer individuals experiencing intimate partner violence.

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another pastor or church leader.

I Am What I Am Ministry
Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.

Episode 104: Safety Before Solutions

Should a pastor pursue reconciliation before ensuring a survivor's safety?

In this episode of the I Am What I Am Ministry Podcast, Pastor Felix Cervantes explores one of the most important—and often misunderstood—principles in pastoral care: safety must come before solutions.

While reconciliation is a beautiful biblical goal, it should never come at the expense of a person's safety. Through biblical teaching and practical ministry application, this episode helps pastors understand why protecting vulnerable people is not contrary to Scripture—it reflects the heart of the Good Shepherd.

If you've ever wondered how to respond when someone discloses abuse, this episode provides a biblical framework for prioritizing protection while remaining committed to God's design for restoration.

In This Episode

•  Why reconciliation should never precede safety 
•  The difference between conflict and abuse 
•  Biblical examples of stepping away from danger 
•  The shepherd's responsibility to protect the vulnerable 
•  Why safety creates the opportunity for genuine reconciliation 
•  Practical guidance for responding wisely to abuse disclosures 
•  A "Think Like a Shepherd" ministry scenario 
•  A closing prayer for pastors and church leaders 

Key Takeaway

Scripture

• Psalm 82:3–4 (NKJV) — "Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked." 
• 1 Samuel 19–27 — David wisely fled from Saul's repeated attempts to kill him. 
• John 7:30; John 8:59 (NKJV) — Jesus withdrew from danger because His hour had not yet come. 

Ministry Resources

Visit iamwhatiam.org for biblical resources, referral information, and practical ministry tools designed to help pastors and churches faithfully recognize, respond to, and appropriately refer individuals experiencing intimate partner violence.

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another pastor or church leader.

I Am What I Am Ministry
Equipping Pastors. Strengthening Churches. Restoring Lives.

What should a pastor say first when someone discloses abuse?

The first few moments after someone says, "Pastor, I think I'm being abused," can shape everything that follows.

In this episode, Pastor Felix Cervantes explains why a pastor's first response is often more important than the first solution. You'll learn practical, biblical principles for responding with compassion, listening well, avoiding common mistakes, and creating a safe environment where survivors feel heard and valued.

Whether you're a pastor, elder, ministry leader, or church volunteer, this episode will help you approach one of the most sacred conversations in ministry with wisdom, grace, and confidence.

In This Episode

•  Why the first conversation matters 
•  The goal of the first conversation 
•  Three simple phrases every pastor should know 
•  Common responses to avoid 
•  How trauma affects a survivor's story 
•  Listening versus interrogating 
•  Why your calm presence matters 
•  The importance of reflecting back what you've heard 
•  A practical "Think Like a Shepherd" application 
•  A closing prayer for pastors and church leaders 

Key Takeaway

Scripture

James 1:19 (NKJV)

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

Ministry Resources

Visit https://iamwhatiam.org for biblical resources, pastoral guidance, referral information, and additional training designed to equip pastors and churches to faithfully recognize, respond to, and appropriately refer individuals experiencing intimate partner violence.

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another pastor or ministry leader. Together, we can equip pastors, strengthen churches, and restore lives.

Episode 102: Conflict or Abuse?

One of the greatest challenges pastors face is recognizing the difference between ordinary marital conflict and intimate partner violence. While both involve hurt, disagreement, and brokenness, they are not the same—and responding to them the same way can unintentionally place survivors at greater risk.

In this episode, Felix explores one of the most important distinctions every pastor and church leader must understand:

Conflict is about a problem to solve. Abuse is about a person seeking power and control.

Together, we'll examine the patterns that distinguish healthy conflict from abusive relationships, explore several forms of abuse—including physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and coercive control—and discuss practical questions pastors should begin asking during pastoral care and marriage counseling.

Whether you're a pastor, elder, ministry leader, biblical counselor, or Christian educator, this episode will help you better recognize the warning signs of abuse and respond with wisdom, compassion, and biblical conviction.

In This Episode

•  Why conflict and abuse are fundamentally different 
•  Understanding the role of power and control 
•  Recognizing patterns instead of isolated incidents 
•  Physical abuse beyond visible injuries 
•  Emotional abuse and gaslighting 
•  Spiritual abuse and the misuse of Scripture 
•  Financial abuse and dependency 
•  Understanding coercive control 
•  Three questions every pastor should ask during counseling 

Key Scriptures

•  Matthew 7:16 
•  Proverbs 31:8–9 
•  Proverbs 18:21 
•  Ephesians 5:11 

(All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.)

Shepherd's Takeaway

When counseling couples, don't begin by asking:

•  Who was right? 
•  Who started the argument? 

Instead ask:

•  Who holds the power? 
•  Who is living in fear? 
•  What patterns have developed over time? 

Those questions may reveal the difference between conflict and abuse.

Resources

Learn more about recognizing and responding to intimate partner violence within the church by visiting:

iamwhatiam.org

You'll find biblical resources, practical tools, referral information, and training designed specifically for pastors, church leaders, and ministry teams.

If this episode encouraged or equipped you, consider sharing it with another pastor or ministry leader.

"Pastor... can we talk?"

Those five words may become one of the most significant conversations of your ministry.

Every year, survivors of intimate partner violence quietly seek help from someone they trust. Often, that first person is their pastor. Yet many church leaders have never been trained to recognize abuse, understand trauma, or respond in a way that protects both the survivor and the integrity of the church.

In this foundational episode, Pastor Felix Cervantes explores the biblical responsibility of shepherds to protect the vulnerable while providing practical guidance on recognizing abuse, understanding trauma responses, and responding with wisdom, compassion, and appropriate referrals.

Whether you are a pastor, elder, ministry leader, counselor, or church volunteer, this episode will help equip you to respond faithfully when someone entrusts you with one of the most difficult conversations of their life.

In This Episode

•  Why pastors are often the first person a survivor tells 
•  The difference between marital conflict and abuse 
•  Understanding coercive control 
•  The four trauma responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn 
•  What Scripture teaches about protecting the vulnerable 
•  Practical first steps every pastor should take after a disclosure

Scripture

•  Psalm 82:3–4 (NKJV) 
•  Isaiah 1:17 (NKJV) 
•  James 1:27 (NKJV)

Connect with I Am What I Am Ministry

🌐 https://iamwhatiam.org

Find resources for pastors, churches, survivors, referral pathways, articles, and training opportunities designed to help churches become places of safety, healing, and restoration.

Equipping pastors. Strengthening churches. Restoring lives.

By the grace of God,

I Am What I Am Ministry