As a licensed professional clinical counselor over the last nine years, I have worked with many different populations, but two of the most prominent groups I have worked with are people who have been convicted as domestic violence offenders and people who are victims of domestic violence. In the mission of promoting “a healthy approach to mental health in the Church,” I find a specific calling to have the Church make a difference with this vulnerable population. The Church has a unique and powerful role to play in both preventing domestic violence and in ministering to those affected by it. One resource that I have found particularly valuable in equipping churches for this work is ChurchCares.com.
(Note: we previously wrote an article about TheChurchCares.com, a completely different mission and run website)
What is ChurchCares.com?
ChurchCares.com is an initiative designed to train and equip church leaders to recognize, respond to, and provide support for victims of domestic abuse. This website offers free resources, including a comprehensive training curriculum, survivor testimonies, and biblical guidance for addressing domestic violence within the Church. ChurchCares.com provides tools that align with both biblical wisdom and practical mental health insights to empower churches in their response to abuse.
Why This Resource Matters for Church Leaders
Many pastors and church leaders desire to help those suffering from domestic violence but often feel unprepared to navigate such complex and sensitive issues. Other churches are simply unaware of the needs in the community, missing concerns of domestic violence and seeing as “a problem for the big cities.” Without proper training, churches may unintentionally dismiss or mishandle disclosures of abuse, further harming victims instead of providing refuge. ChurchCares.com bridges this gap by offering:
- A FREE Training Curriculum – The website features a 12-lesson training program that walks church leaders through critical topics such as understanding abuse, responding to disclosures, and developing church policies that protect and support victims.
- Testimonies from Survivors – Hearing the firsthand accounts of those who have experienced domestic violence provides invaluable insight into the challenges victims face and the importance of a church’s response.
- Biblical and Theological Frameworks – ChurchCares.com presents a gospel-centered approach to caring for victims, reminding pastors and ministry leaders that the Church is called to be a place of refuge, healing, and justice.
A Call to Action for Churches
Domestic violence is a reality within our congregations, and as the body of Christ, we must be prepared to address it with compassion, wisdom, and action. I urge every church leader, elder, and pastoral counselor to visit ChurchCares.com and take advantage of these resources. Whether your church has a structured response plan or is just beginning to explore how to support abuse victims, this website provides a roadmap for a more informed and effective ministry.
The Church has the opportunity to be a beacon of hope for those trapped in abusive situations. By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools provided by ChurchCares.com, we can truly live out the call of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the fatherless’s cause; plead the widow’s case.”
Let us commit to making our churches places of safety and healing, where victims of domestic violence can find the love and support they desperately need. If you are a pastor or ministry leader, I encourage you to explore this resource today—it could make a life-changing difference in your congregation and community.
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