Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture

Always Reforming I’ve shared a few articles recently reflecting on the less pleasant side of church life.  It should sadden us that the church (locally, nationally and internationally) often seems to fall short of what it should be as a haven of hope and safety. However, at the same time it should not surprise us. … Continue reading Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture

Abuse and church – We didn’t mean to be here

In Deuteronomy 19, God provides cities of refuge for Israelites to flee to when they have killed someone. There is a vital qualification, the killing has to have been unintentional. It cannot be for a wilful, malicious attack. The Law made a distinction between two types of sin, the first type were high handed sins,… Continue reading Abuse and church – We didn’t mean to be here

Abuse and the church: Small talk and social media

“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” (Matthew 15:11) I find Christian social media quite depressing and downright disturbing at times.  Over time I have witnessed significantly aggressive behaviour, people are belittled, dismissed, insulted.  I’ve also seen Christian leaders jump… Continue reading Abuse and the church: Small talk and social media

Abuse and the Church -does plural leadership help protect?

There has been a growing acceptance of the importance of having plural leadership in churches and this can be a big help to encouraging healthy accountable churches. Many churches now emphasise team leadership and Brethren and some Baptist and Presbyterian churches have appointed several elders to lead. However, just appointing a group of leaders does… Continue reading Abuse and the Church -does plural leadership help protect?

Bullying, abuse and the problem of co-dependency

I’ve been writing a few articles in response to #MeToo #ChurchToo and recent high profile cases of abusive church leadership. Here I want to write a little more about abusive relationships and how they form. First of all, two quotes from Hannah, or communities and families worker from our twitter account. “Abusers are difficult to… Continue reading Bullying, abuse and the problem of co-dependency

Abuse and bullying in the church

Before Coronavirus struck, I wrote a few articles around the subject of abuse. I don’t want those articles to be lost to distant pre-virus memory. The pain and wait for justice for abuse victims is still there. So, I am going to start adding some of them here. An ugly story close to home If… Continue reading Abuse and bullying in the church

False Accusation

At some point, it is likely that as a believer you will face false accusation. One of the Devil’s names, Satan, literally means “the accuser” his aim is to accuse believers to cause them to feel guilt and shame, he is the father of lies and so it is no surprise that his accusations are… Continue reading False Accusation

Food from around the world wide web

Friday 26/03/2020 30 Edifying things to watch whilst stuck at home – some recommended TV viewing, a lot of these are on Netflix Upbeat Songs for Quarantined Children – it’s the end of week one of home-schooling. How on earth are you coping. If you are looking for some suggestions to help the kids dance… Continue reading Food from around the world wide web