Overcoming the Father Wound: The Path to VictorySample

DAY 7: Uncleanness in the Church

Scripture - I Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Tragically, scandals concerning clergy sexual abuse in both Catholic and Protestant churches have been widely publicized.

The impact on individuals and congregations has also been profound – shattered trust produces shockwaves that last a long time. Note these sad facts:

• 62% (of congregants studied) Agree or Strongly Agree that they were being counseled by the church leader (when the abuse started)
• Only 8% Agree or Strongly Agree that their church supported them after the abuse occurred. (See “Experiences In the Congregation”: https://socialwork.web.baylor.edu/research-impact/ongoing-research-and-projects/clergy-sexual-abuse-research)

Let us return to the powerful story told by accomplished worship artist Dennis Jernigan*:

An early (and defining) memory that helped set me on the road toward homosexual identity happened one Sunday when I was about ten years old. My brother and cousins were playing on the church steps before church began, oblivious to the conversation of the men who were standing near us. My ears tuned right in, though, when their topic of conversation used words like [ derogatory words often used for same-sex attracted males ] because I knew they were talking about ME even if they did not know it! These were the men who taught me about God. These were the men whose image God had been painted in my mind! So guess what I thought GOD thought about me?! I thought He hated me…and this thought tortured my soul for far too many years!

Then, in college, Dennis was befriended by an older man, a leader in the church. Upon feeling enough trust to reveal his “secret”, the man then made a sexual advance. It was devastating to him. He attempted suicide. Fortunately, his story ultimately became one of victory, redemption, and triumph, by God’s Amazing Grace. He went on to compose significant worship songs that spread through the Body of Christ.

If Dennis’ story is similar to yours, don’t despair! There is hope and healing in the Unconditional Love of God, and in the transformative power of the Word of God!

Reach out to others, and if you need to engage professional help, do so! You can check out Pure Life Ministries for some amazing resources, as well as our longtime partner ministry, Pause Ministries. Help is at your fingertips!

Prayer:

“Father, please help me to forgive what I cannot forget. Cleanse me from the stain of sin – both mine and others’. Help me to see myself as you see me in Christ – blameless and righteous. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!”

* Dennis Jernigan’s testimony can be found on his website, dennisjernigan.com.