In this episode, Dieula discusses a heartbreaking and infuriating situation—a teenage girl in a Church of Christ in Virginia was forced to stand before her congregation and apologize for being pregnant out of wedlock. To make matters worse, the pastor prohibited the church from throwing her a baby shower as a form of punishment.

Dieula unpacks the deep harm caused by this kind of public shaming and calls for an apology to this young woman and countless others who have faced similar judgment. Whether or not you believe in church discipline, we must ask: Is this the way of Jesus? Looking to John 8:1-11, we reflect on Jesus’ response to a woman caught in sin—offering mercy, not condemnation.

This story also hits close to home for Dieula, triggering her own past experiences with shame and exclusion. She challenges us to rethink how churches should respond when someone doesn’t live according to traditional values. Instead of punishment, the church should:

✅ Love them and draw them closer.

✅ Keep them in community rather than isolating them.

✅ Maintain sacred rituals like communion or baby dedications.

✅ Offer resources like baby showers to help them thrive.

When we lead with kindness and inclusion, we foster a community where people stick around, grow in faith, and bring others with them. This is the way of the gospel.

Scripture Reference: John 8:1-11 – "Let the one without sin cast the first stone."

Join the Conversation:

How do you think churches should respond when someone in their community doesn’t follow traditional values? Let’s talk about it! Share your thoughts on social media using #GraceOverShame

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