DISCIPLEMAKING HEALING MINISTRIES #2: Wounded Heart

NOTE: Due to the sensitive nature of the content in this class, it recommended listeners be 16 years of age or older.

DISCIPLEMAKING HEALING MINISTRIES #2: Wounded Heart

The conversation centered around the significance of addressing sexual trauma in the church, emphasizing the need for healing and forgiveness. Speakers discussed the various forms of sexual abuse, including the challenges men face when sharing their experiences. They highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and heal, and emphasized the need for church leaders to support and promote this practice. Speakers also emphasized the importance of being curious and loving towards those who have experienced trauma, and creating a welcoming environment for personal growth.

Action Items

• [ ] Establish a ministry fair and signup process for new classes
• [ ] Share testimony beyond the class to small groups and church
• [ ] Consider inviting people to “Healing as a Choice” first before “Wounded Heart” class

Outline

Healing from sexual trauma through biblical change.

• Janice Wade and Stefan Reckless lead a class on healing for men and women at Crossings Church.
• Speaker 2 discusses sexual trauma and its impact on identity, using the metaphor of surgery to describe healing.
• Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes of spiritual wounding through classes and support groups.

Biblical healing, trauma, and trust in God.

• Dan Allender says trauma can feel worse than the disease, but it saves life.
• Class is important for healing, but it’s messy and requires trust in God.

Sexual abuse and healing groups for men and women.

• Speaker 3 discusses the complexity of a book on community healing, requiring diligence and a minimum of 4 people to fully understand.
• Speaker 3 emphasizes the importance of foundational counseling for healing from sexual trauma.
• Speaker 2 shares their experience of feeling isolated and ashamed due to sexual abuse.
• Speaker 3 discusses the varying levels of severity in sexual abuse, including age of the abused, relationship of the perpetrator, and type of touch or assault.

Sexual abuse and its subtle forms, including visual and psychological manipulation.

• Speaker 3 shares personal experience of sexual abuse, highlighting the subtlety of its effects.
• The group discusses the importance of acknowledging and addressing sexual abuse, even when it doesn’t involve touch.

Sexual abuse, healing, and understanding the impact on survivors.

• Speaker 2 explains how memories of sexual trauma can be difficult to recall and may leave behind impressions in the form of casts or molds.
• Secondary symptoms such as depression, addiction, and low self-esteem can indicate potential sexual abuse, even if the person doesn’t remember every detail.
• Speaker 2 suggests asking gentle questions to help others open up about their past hurts.
• Workbook exercises help individuals identify patterns and gain insight into their wounded hearts.
• Speaker 2 discusses stages of sexual abuse and how understanding the setup can free the abused person from unnecessary guilt.
• Speaker 2 shares personal experiences of shame, ambivalence, and powerlessness after being sexually abused, highlighting the importance of addressing these emotions in a Christian context.

Personality types, self-awareness, and forgiveness.

• The speaker discusses various personality types, including the “good girl,” “nice boy,” “party girl,” and “Don Juan.”
• Speaker 2 discusses the importance of self-awareness and forgiveness in personal growth.
• The group shares experiences and insights on how others perceive them, and the importance of choosing bold love.

Sexual abuse and its impact on mental health.

• Speaker shares personal experience of sexual abuse and manipulation from childhood to adulthood.
• Speaker reflects on how these experiences have shaped their beliefs and behaviors, and how God has helped them heal and find hope.
• Speaker 2 shares their story of sexual abuse by a family member, highlighting the societal stigma and lack of support for survivors.
• Speaker 3 discusses their own experience of sexual abuse by their biological father, including the emotional and psychological impact it had on their life.

Healing from trauma and connecting with others through shared experiences.

• Speaker shares personal experience of abuse and healing through Wounded Heart class.
• Through healing, others can see Christ and gain self-awareness, feeling less alone.

Sharing personal stories to heal and grow in faith.

• Speaker 3 shares how forgiveness and humility led to a Bible study with a coworker who was not a Christian.
• Speaker 3’s response to a betrayal led to the coworker’s baptism and a deeper understanding of love and relationships.
• Speaker 3 shares their personal story of struggling with weakness and God’s sufficiency (0:36:50)
• Speaker 2 encourages sharing personal stories beyond the wounded heart class (0:37:52)
• Speaker 2 shares their personal story of healing from sexual abuse through Robert’s message.
• Practical applications for churches include supporting the message from the pulpit and promoting it culturally.

Creating a welcoming environment for small group meetings.

• Speaker 3 suggests hosting a ministry fair to connect with guests and gather leadership requirements.
• Speaker 3 emphasizes creating a welcoming environment, including comfortable seating and snacks, and encourages guests to wear pajamas and bring stuffed animals.

Healing from trauma and finding purpose through counseling and Christian ministry.

• Janice shares her personal growth journey, revealing struggles with self-acceptance and relational issues.
• Janice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for class participants to share their experiences without pressure to disclose personal information.
• Speaker shares personal story of healing from trauma through Christian ministry.

Supporting and healing from trauma through Christian counseling and support groups.

• Speaker 2 describes hope as a willow tree providing shelter and support, and God’s ultimate blessing is resurrecting lives.
• Speaker 3 discusses struggles with anger at God, questioning authenticity of person’s faith.
• Speaker 3 and 5 discuss supporting someone with an “active” issue, while Speaker 2 offers advice on how to approach the situation.
• The group discusses the importance of counseling and group dynamics in healing, with Speaker 3 asking about the counselor’s opinion on taking the next step.

Counseling, trauma, and healing.

• Offer to give rides to people as a way of providing support and accountability.
• Read the book and ask how you can support the person in their process.
• Speaker 3 advises being curious and attentive when someone shares a story, asking open-ended questions to show empathy and support.
• Speaker 2 describes having consistent, trustworthy men in their life as pillars of support, providing a safe space to share thoughts and feelings.
• Speaker 3 shares their experience of being abused and the impact it had on their life.
• The class supports and empathizes with Speaker 3, sharing their own experiences.

This content was featured at the 2024 Antioch Collective Annual Assembly at The Crossings Church St. Charles County in O’Fallon, MO. For more like this, visit https://antiochcollective.org/