May 11, 2026

Safeguarding the Church against S3XU@L ABUSE

30 minutes

In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we continue our important conversation on abuse in the church—focusing on power dynamics, safeguarding, and how churches can become truly safe environments.

What happens when leadership power is misused? How can churches protect the vulnerable while still fostering trust and community? And what practical steps can leaders take today to prevent abuse before it happens?

We explore:

Why power differentials matter—and why ignoring them is dangerous

How lack of accountability enables abuse and silences victims

The difference between claiming safety and actually creating a safe culture

Key safeguarding practices every church should implement immediately

The importance of clear policies, background checks, and ongoing training

Why churches must partner with trained professionals in abuse and trauma care

How to stay both wise and discerning without becoming cynical or fearful

This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply needed for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who cares about the health of the Church.

If we want to reflect Christ well, we must be willing to confront hard truths—and take real action.

Listen now and join the movement to equip the Church to be the Church.

Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com

Great Resources on the topic of Creating Healthy Churches

Documentary

https://www.forourdaughtersfilm.com/

GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment)

https://www.netgrace.org/

A Church Called Tov (Scot McKnight)

https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4lBAQzf3oJglpTj_7R8NbAeOg0H2oH4CTgx81Cm9okZZVtD9VFcS1uSUfVV2EQm5KZL1himBpHsyFB4D_Gifo4cf1QusTB-POg2TVGG7LdGmQvQa0IB928VE-Lzebn0QaYbWTVGVFLpXeUIBI_xAwisMWdvmpzjWJxaEPeX_KDzkLcEidFqxV9x2KN137nu9_VqW_lpT5_tSt6oq8-Jdy9yqaU0SHRxzumNuhx47RWQ.FqeuaDuA2RxUSi8NLD1Eu9aVNCvxijZDHQxchJMDJm0&qid=1772398542&sr=8-1

Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power (Wade Mullens)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496444701/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=DfllH&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=0KK0SC6CEWNJ2Q64975X&pd_rd_wg=GCNhP&pd_rd_r=79c691b9-0dac-456b-bda2-afdb8d5268e5

When Narcissism Comes to Church (Chuck DeGroat)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514005093/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zdSwU&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=WKKWWGSF6Y2GYRHQ8926&pd_rd_wg=mFZQA&pd_rd_r=a6182de3-e16f-4416-9ef7-e30aa5043369

When the Church Harms God’s People (Diane Langberg)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587436450/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=uVPPK&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=CAM1FBFN0J7Y0RS0HF0V&pd_rd_wg=KaJ0d&pd_rd_r=a0246e35-7d3f-4feb-89db-facae6fa4a8a

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Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)

#ChurchLeadership #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchSafety #Safeguarding #ChristianPodcast #PastoralCare #AbusePrevention #ChurchAccountability #FaithAndLeadership #HealthyChurch

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