Church

Joining a church department can be a transformative and fulfilling endeavor. In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why becoming involved in a church department is a valuable choice for your spiritual growth.

What are church hurts?  Church hurts refer to any type of pain (emotional, physical, or spiritual) caused by negative experiences in a religious or church setting. This can include experiences such as feeling excluded, rejected, or judged by fellow church members. It also includes experiencing abuse or mistreatment by church leaders. Do I need to be part of the church? God commands us to be part of the church for our own benefit. 23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching Hebrews 23-24. Why do church hurts happen?  Doctrine disagreements, power struggles, and harsh words can cause church hurts. Physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse can also happen inside the church. What are some examples of church hurts?  Examples of church hurts can include feeling ostracized or excluded by a church community and being judged by church leaders or members. Public humiliation in church, and being misunderstood, are other examples of church hurts. How can church hurt impact a person’s spiritual life?  Church hurts can lead to feelings of disillusionment, anger, or sadness that can affect a person’s relationship with God. In worst-case scenarios, they can lead people to blame or hold a grudge against God. Some people have left their faith because the church has hurt them. How can a person heal from church hurts?  Healing from church hurts can involve seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend. Engaging in practices such as prayer, meditation, and forgiveness can quicken the healing process. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13. Should a person confront the person or people who have hurt them? Addressing those who have hurt you can be beneficial, but only if it is done in a safe and comfortable environment. 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector Matthew 18: 15-17. What can churches do to prevent church hurts?  Churches can prevent church hurts by fostering a culture of inclusion, acceptance, and love. Also, by implementing policies and procedures that prioritize the safety and well-being of all members.  Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4:8. Can a person still have a relationship with God after experiencing church hurts?  Yes, a person can still have a relationship with God after experiencing church hurts. Spiritual growth and healing can come through the practice of prayer and worship. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34 vs 18. Ultimately, having a relationship with God is a personal choice. Nothing can separate us from the love of God Romans 8 vs 31-39. Is it possible to find a church community that won’t cause church hurts?  Finding a church community that meets one’s values and provides a safe and supportive environment is possible. The only way to find the right community for you is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let God show you which church community you should be part of. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left Isaiah 30:21. How can a person know if they should leave a church that has caused them church hurts?  When they feel unsafe or unwelcome in the community. If they are being mistreated or abused by church leaders or members, it might be a good time to leave. Sometimes taking a short break from church is all you need. In my case, I had to move to a different branch of the same church where I could worship God freely.

If you’ve been a part of a church community for any length of time, chances are you’ve experienced some kind of hurt. Unfortunately, churches, like any other human organization, are not immune to conflict, misunderstandings, and even abuse. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of church hurts and how to overcome them. The Different Church Hurts Emotional  Emotional hurts can come in many forms, such as being ignored or excluded or experiencing the pain of broken relationships. These can be painful because they are often subtle and hard to articulate, leaving us feeling isolated and alone. Physical  Physical hurts can range from minor injuries sustained during church activities to more severe incidents of abuse. Whether intentional or unintentional, these can leave deep emotional scars and require careful attention and healing. Spiritual  We can experience spiritual hurts when we are challenged to question our beliefs or values. These can be challenging to overcome as they strike at the core of our identity. And can cause us to question our faith and our place in the church community. Sexual  Sexual hurts can take many forms, including unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching, or sexual abuse. These can be traumatic, leaving us feeling violated and betrayed. Financial  Financial hurts can occur when we feel that the church’s financial practices are not transparent or ethical. These can be difficult to overcome because they affect our trust in the church and its leaders. Overcoming Church Hurts Acknowledge the Hurt The first step in overcoming church hurts is to acknowledge that they exist and that they are real. This can be difficult, especially if the hurt is subtle or hard to articulate, but it is an essential first step. “Risk is real. The Christian life is a painful life. Not joyless. But not painless either.” — John Piper Seek Support It is necessary to seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals. A support network can help us process our feelings. No one is an island. Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Romans 15: 1 Practice Self-Care Self-care is critical in the healing process. It can include exercise, healthy eating, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring us joy. Because we expect the church to be perfect, it is easy to blame ourselves for church hurts. This can sometimes lead people to neglect self-care because of depression. “You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.” Eckhart Tolle Set Boundaries Setting healthy boundaries is an important part of healing. This can include saying no or limiting our exposure to situations or people that trigger our hurts. It is important to let others know what you are and what you are not comfortable with. Don’t compromise even if it hurts to be yourself. . –Toby Keith Forgiveness Forgiveness is a powerful tool in the healing process. It doesn’t mean that we have to forget or condone the hurt. It means we can let go of the anger and bitterness that can keep us trapped in a cycle of pain. Forgiving those who have wronged you is the best gift you can give to yourself. Not everyone is going to apologize, not everyone is going to take responsibility. It is up to you to heal from the trauma that no one apologized for. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” -Mathew 6 vs 15 Take it to the King It is without saying that the best step you can do in order to find healing is to take your hurts to God. He never sleeps and he never slumbers, he never tires of hearing our prayers. Even when you don’t have the strength to pray, having an honest conversation with God is enough to bring you peace and healing. He understands what you are going through. Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my Savior and my God Psalms 42:11. Conclusion Church hurts can be painful and challenging to overcome. With the right tools and support, we can find healing. No matter what you went through, God wants you to find healing and restoration.

Are you someone who has experienced hurt within the church? As human beings, we all crave connection and community, but sometimes our experiences within the church can leave us feeling disillusioned and disappointed. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons we get hurt by the church, and what we can do to find healing and restoration. Unmet Expectations: A Recipe for Disappointment One of the main reasons we get hurt by the church is because of unmet expectations. We come into the church with certain hopes and desires, and when these expectations are not met, it can be deeply disappointing. Perhaps we expected to find a perfect community of believers who always got along, or we expected the church to solve all of our problems. When reality falls short of our expectations, it can lead to pain and disillusionment. Sinful Nature: Imperfection Within the Church Community Another reason we get hurt by the church is because of the sinful nature of humanity. Even within the church community, people are not perfect, and we all have flaws and shortcomings. When we hurt one another through our words or actions, it can cause deep pain and harm. However, it is crucial to remember that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace and forgiveness, and we can find healing and restoration through Him. Power Struggles: Toxicity Within the Church Leadership conflicts and power struggles within the church can lead to hurt and division. When people within the church community are vying for positions of power or control, it can cause tension and resentment. This can create cliques within the church, with certain members feeling excluded or ignored. When leaders within the church conflict with one another, it can create a toxic environment that is harmful to everyone involved. Misunderstandings and Miscommunication: A Breeding Ground for Division Misunderstandings and miscommunication can also cause hurt within the church. When we cannot communicate clearly with one another, it can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Perhaps we misinterpret something that was said or done, or we assume the worst of someone’s intentions. These misunderstandings can fester and grow, leading to division and pain within the church community. Lack of Grace and Forgiveness: A Barrier to Healing Finally, a lack of grace and forgiveness can contribute to hurt within the church. Holding grudges or refusing to forgive those who have wronged us can lead to bitterness and resentment. This can lead to a breakdown in relationships and a lack of unity within the church. It is important to remember that we are all in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. We should extend that same grace and forgiveness to others within the church community. Conclusion: Finding Healing and Restoration In conclusion, while it’s true that the church can be a source of hurt and pain, it’s important to remember that the church is made up of imperfect people in need of grace and forgiveness. By understanding the root causes of why we get hurt by the church, we can work towards finding healing and restoration. Let’s extend grace and forgiveness to one another, and strive towards building a community that reflects the love and mercy of God. Stay tuned for the next article as we explore more reasons the church hurts and what we can do to find healing.