CCC 27-2_LR

PASTORAL CARE

When a young woman in the congregation confided in Elizabeth about inappropriate behavior from another church leader, Elizabeth’s instincts screamed that this needed to be reported. Yet, Pastor Greg’s words replayed in her mind. Elizabeth felt paralyzed. If she spoke up, would she be accused of undermining her church and be shunned by her community? Worse, would she be spiri tually condemned for questioning those in authority? Pastor Greg’s distorted emphasis on submission to spiritual authority created a culture in which Elizabeth felt afraid to advocate for her friend. Spiritual abuse can foster an environment of complicity that allows abuse to go unchecked and unreported. Proverbs 3:27 (ESV) encourages us not to “… withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.” It is com mon for abuse survivors to feel significant betrayal from those who knew about the abuse and did nothing. When we, as counselors, become safeguarding advocates, we demonstrate to abuse survivors that they are seen and worth fighting for. How to Build Practical Skills to Prevent Abuse and Foster Healing While it can feel defeating to hear stories of abuse, we can be confident God is committed to His Church—even if that means exposing ways that do not accurately rep resent His character. In Isaiah 1:16-17 (ESV), God gives Israel instructions for turning away from their wicked ness, saying, “… cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek jus tice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Our new book, Skills for Safeguarding: A Guide to Preventing Abuse and Fostering Healing in the Church , can help individuals and organizations “learn to

do good” by building practical skills for fostering healthy church cultures, identifying perpetrator characteristics, and engaging compassionately with trauma survivors. Christian counselors who build these skills are vital in creating safe and healthy church environments. ;

Taylor Patterson, M.A., Ph.D. (candi date), is a licensed professional coun selor specializing in trauma, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She has presented at local and national conferences and has been published in peer-reviewed journals. Taylor is cur rently a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent University. Lisa Compton, Ph.D., LCSW, CTTS, CFE, is associate professor and assis tant director of the doctoral program in counselor education and supervision at Regent University. She is a licensed social worker, certified trauma treat ment specialist, and co-author of the textbook, Preparing for Trauma Work in Clinical Mental Health.

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32 Christian Counseling Connection