Safe to Hope

Lately, numerous victims and survivors have come forward to report domestic abuse which is occurring just as much within congregations as in the broader society. It is a privilege to introduce you to this season's STORY-TELLER, Michelle.

If you want to know more about domestic abuse, go to Called to Peace.org. They have a lot of resources that would be helpful can get a hold of an advocate if you need one. Also, I recommend Darby Strickland's book, Is It Abuse? which is  an excellent resource for both victims and church leaders for identifying patterns of abuse. And specifically Darby speaks in one chapter regarding sexual abuse in marriage. And then as I've said before, Dr. Jeremy Pierre and Dr. Greg Wilson's book When Home Hurts is particularly helpful for church leaders.

Warning: Michelle’s story is for adult audiences only. As a heads up, this season includes discussions regarding marital emotional, spiritual, and sexual abuse. We advise listener and reader discretion.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

For anyone concerned about Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse and looking for more information, go to the Clergy Sexual Misconduct website. For those who believe they may be directly impacted by ACSA, or even those who may be indirectly affected, this website will bring clarity to this type of abuse and help for finding freedom and healing.

Dr. Brooks website www.couragechristiancounseling.com. Links to Nate’s books Help! Our Sex Life Is Troubled By Past Abuse with Anna Mondal and Identifying Heart Transformation are included in the show notes, and can also be found on Amazon. An additional link will be provided to access Nate’s and Ann Maree’s Biblical Counseling Coalition 2-part series on whole person care, Emotional Abuse Is the Abuse of the Person and Emotional Abuse Harms the Body Too. You can also find additional articles on this website, including Nate’s The Story of David and Whom? Nate will be training and counseling at his new home church in Youngsville, North Carolina beginning this summer when he starts his new position at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary as the Associate Professor of Counseling. More information can be found on the church website in the show notes. Nate’s wife Kate serves with Esther Smith, author of A Still and Quiet Mind  as a support group leader at Esther’s practice, Christian Trauma Counseling.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

After Tamra shared her story, she helpfully articulated some of the characteristics of clergy sexual abuse and how it might also be called clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse of adults, clergy abuse, pastoral abuse, or clergy sexual misconduct.

Today, Tamra and I will look at God’s redemptive thread throughout her circumstances. She certainly didn’t see God’s plans while she was living through the abuse. But today we can look back—perhaps even reframe her story in His Story—and see how she learned more about God’s care for the oppressed through her difficult experience.

For anyone concerned about Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse and looking for more information, go to the Clergy Sexual Misconduct website. For those who believe they may be directly impacted by ACSA, or even those who may be indirectly affected, this website will bring clarity to this type of abuse and help for finding freedom and healing. 

Contributor 3:
Further information regarding Dr. Brooks can be found on his website, Courage Christian Counseling. The link for his "Help" mini book co-authored with Anna Mondal can be accessed here. Dr. Brooks has written several articles relevant to our topic which can be found here, here, and here.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Out of an abundance of sensitivity to our survivor community, this episode has been removed.

For anyone concerned about Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse and looking for more information, go to the Clergy Sexual Misconduct website. For those who believe they may be directly impacted by ACSA, or even those who may be indirectly affected, this website will bring clarity to this type of abuse and help for finding freedom and healing. 

Arkansas

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Iowa

Kansas

Maine

Minnesota

Mississippi

New Mexico

North Dakota

Texas

Utah

Wisconsin

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

In a previous podcast, Tamra (an advocate and abuse survivor) shared her story of adult clergy sexual abuse. Of course, when Tamra was living in it, she didn’t have such a clear definition. So, today Ann Maree will talk about what Tamra learned about herself and her circumstances and about some of the difficulties for people as they seek to understand adult clergy sexual abuse.

For anyone concerned about Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse and looking for more information, go to the Clergy Sexual Misconduct website. For those who believe they may be directly impacted by ACSA, or even those who may be indirectly affected, this website will bring clarity to this type of abuse and help for finding freedom and healing. 

The following states have laws against adult clergy sexual abuse; 

Arkansas

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Iowa

Kansas

Maine

Minnesota

Mississippi

New Mexico

North Dakota

Texas

Utah

Wisconsin

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Clergy Sexual Misconduct . Dr Evan’s  here.  Her book. Article online. 
Joshua Pease, The Sin of Silence; Christa Brown, This Little Light; Diane Langberg, Redeeming Power and Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse; Wade Mullen, Something's Not Right; Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery.  

States with laws against ACSA; Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse includes any sexualized behavior by a spiritual leader toward someone under his or her spiritual care. The Church has been faced with this harsh reality, and the call is for us, as Christ’s body to respond like him.

Clergy Sexual Misconduct website.  About Dr. Heather Evan’s  here.  Her book here. Her article on the #churchtoomovement: is available online.

The Voices of Survivors Project website. Christa Brown, This Little Light;  Diane Langberg, Redeeming Power and Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse; Wade Mullen, Something's Not Right; Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall and is licensed by Pixabay. We hope you enjoyed this episode in the Safe To Hope podcast series. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Melissa joins us today in this final episode to help further our understanding of "story." Melissa is the facilitator and developer of Restoried, support groups which are designed from a Christ-centered theological framework and clinically informed perspective. Melissa's desire in creating the Restoried Groups is to honor the participant’s dignity as embodied souls in need of a whole-person care.

Melissa's website with more information can be found here. The next AM and PM Restoried groups will start in February and March 2023, so registration will be open in early January. Here is a link for an overview of ReStoried as well as a sign up for updates and registration details.

The following are links to quotes or resources Melissa mentioned in our interview:

"Anxiety is normal. Peace is possible."  by Rachael Rosser at the 2019 ABC Conference. See here for full session.

Timeline ideas courtesy of this blog post by Esther Smith.

Brad Hambrick's mini book on vulnerability.

Fieldstone Counseling in north Ohio.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Melissa joins us today and over the next few weeks to help further our understanding of "story." Melissa is the facilitator and developer of Restoried, support groups which are designed from a Christ-centered theological framework and clinically informed perspective. Melissa's desire in creating the Restoried Groups is to honor the participant’s dignity as embodied souls in need of a whole-person care.

Melissa's website with more information can be found here. The next AM and PM Restoried groups will start in February and March 2023, so registration will be open in early January. Here is a link for an overview of ReStoried as well as a sign up for updates and registration details.

The following are links to quotes or resources Melissa mentioned in our interview:

"Anxiety is normal. Peace is possible."  by Rachael Rosser at the 2019 ABC Conference. See here for full session.

Timeline ideas courtesy of this blog post by Esther Smith.

Brad Hambrick's mini book on vulnerability.

Fieldstone Counseling in north Ohio.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Melissa joins us today and over the next few weeks to help further our understanding of "story." Melissa is the facilitator and developer of Restoried, support groups which are designed from a Christ-centered theological framework and clinically informed perspective. Melissa's desire in creating the Restoried Groups is to honor the participant’s dignity as embodied souls in need of a whole-person care.

Melissa's website with more information can be found here. The next AM and PM Restoried groups will start in February and March 2023, so registration will be open in early January. Here is a link for an overview of ReStoried as well as a sign up for updates and registration details.

The following are links to quotes or resources Melissa mentioned in our interview:

"Anxiety is normal. Peace is possible."  by Rachael Rosser at the 2019 ABC Conference. See here for full session.

Timeline ideas courtesy of this blog post by Esther Smith.

Brad Hambrick's mini book on vulnerability.

Fieldstone Counseling in north Ohio.

Safe to Hope is a production of HelpHer. Our Executive Producer is Ann Maree Goudzwaard. Safe to Hope is written and mixed by Ann Maree and edited by Ann Maree and Helen Weigt. Music is Waterfall by Roman Senyk Music from Pixabayand and is licensed by Pixabay. 

Safe To Hope is one of the resources offered through the ministry of Help[H]er, a 501C3 that provides advocacy for women in crisis in the church, and training and resources for those ministering in one-another care. Your donations make it possible for Help[H]er to serve as they navigate crises. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help[H]er website                         
Give    
Shop              

We value and respect conversations with all our guests. Opinions, viewpoints, and convictions may differ so we encourage our listeners to practice discernment. As well, guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HelpHer. It is our hope that this podcast is a platform for hearing and learning rather than causing division or strife. 

Please note, abuse situations have common patterns of behavior, responses, and environments. Any familiarity construed by the listener is of their own opinion and interpretation. Our podcast does not accuse individuals or organizations.

The podcast is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment.