Virtually every congregation in North America has victims, survivors, or perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence in its midst. Pastors and church members unambiguously support marital and family bonds, but many lack the skills and experience needed to help both the abused and their abusers to recover. Telling the Truth gathers the wisdom of experts from across disciplines and denominations - including Wendy Farley, James Poling, and Marie Fortune - to provide pastors and laity with the theological and ethical grounding from which to preach, teach, and minister to both the abused and those who have victimized them. Presenting practical, hands-on resources, and encompassing biblical and theological perspectives, pastoral helps, and preaching strategies, this comprehensive volume also provides several sermons as effective models for ministering to victims and perpetrators alike.
This book is absolutely necessary reading for any seminarian, minister, professor, or congregational leader. This project goes a long way toward helping ministers navigate the difficult subjects of domestic and sexual violence in their congregations. This book includes model sermons which address Biblical texts related to sexual violence. It is also helpful for thinking about the congregation's responsibility to men and women who are survivor-victims or perpetrators.