Wounds inflicted within the church surprise us because we expect other Christians to act in godly ways. When they don't, it might make us question not only their faith, but our own. In this episode of Let’s Talk, Jasmine Holmes, Melissa Kruger, and Jackie Hill Perry talk about their own experiences in working through church hurt. Whether it's the pressure put on a pastor's kid to be perfect or the moral failure of a church leader, church hurt may follow us for the rest of our lives. But that doesn't mean God can't use it for good. It also doesn't mean we should stay away from church. As Jackie says in this discussion, "What healed me from church hurt was the church."

Our hosts discuss:

• Church hurt is a thing (1:44)
• Experiences with church hurt (3:31)
• How church hurt impacts peoples’ lives (7:03)
• The weight of relationships within the church (9:50)
• How to deal with church hurt (14:10)
• Spotting abuse and other signs of an unhealthy church (23:25)
• Dealing with an unrepentant person in your church (27:31)
• The church as a blessing (32:40)
• One of their favorite things (36:48)

We hope you are enjoying these conversations on applying biblical wisdom to every day life. If so, please tell your friends about it and invite them to listen!

Related content:

• Should We Stop Saying, “The Church Hurt Me”?
• Loving the Church When It Hurts (audio)
• How to Respond When Church Leaders Fall
• When #ChurchToo Hits Close to Home

This episode of Let’s Talk is brought to you in part by International Justice Mission. IJM is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world. Across Southern Asia, IJM works to rescue people out of slavery and trafficking. In Latin America, they help children and women who have survived all kinds of violence and abuse. In short, IJM is a community of Christ followers fighting for the freedom and protection of the most vulnerable in our world. Over the last two decades, more than 50,000 individuals have been set free, thanks to people like you who sent IJM to rescue them. But there are thousands more—children, men and women—who are still waiting for rescue. You can make a difference in their lives by becoming a Freedom Partner. Visit IJM.org/LetsTalk to join today. Your consistent support will impact the lives of individuals all over the world.