Overview

Domestic violence harms congregants and impacts our churches. Abuse affects millions across this nation and around the world including individuals in your own congregation. Informed by research, and verified by experience, this book provides practical guidance for pastors and lay leaders to faithfully address and respond to this crisis. The influence of pastoral care and congregational preparedness from the author's seminary education and community-practice social work lens is clearly evident. The chapters are well-researched, trauma-conscious, and survivor informed. The supplemental, unique, and comprehensive glossary of domestic violence terms crafted specifically for faith-based ministry sets this book apart. Prevention and intervention guidelines, along with valuable recommendations for interacting with victims and survivors, is the instructive content needed to propel faith leaders to action and improve the way domestic violence is handled within churches.

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9781666777918

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Reviews

"""Though it claims to be the 'family of God, ' the church sadly has dragged its feet in adequately addressing and preventing domestic violence, and it has sometimes even enabled its perpetuation. This book is a much-needed resource to help congregations better live out the gospel by seeing that families become places where God's love and respect for all people is present. I am grateful for the brave voice of this author who brought light to a dark corner of supposedly Christian environments."" --Meredith Stone, executive director, Baptist Women in Ministry ""Excruciating life experiences. Stories of hurt and despair. Heavily and competently researched. Trauma sensitive. Survivor informed and focused. Deeply emotional. Hope and faith filled. All of these result in preventive and interventive guidelines for ministers and helping professionals to utilize in their caring responses with domestic violence survivors. The author presents an impressive and riveting must-have and must-read book that provides practical considerations that have enabled survivors to positively rebuild their lives."" --Gaynor Yancey, director, Center for Church and Community Impact, Baylor University ""Clergy care is complicated and often those in ministry wish they had received better training. This is particularly true when serving victims of domestic violence. Fortunately, you don't have to navigate those waters alone. Taking it Seriously provides invaluable wisdom for serving those who are suffering abuse in the home. Well-documented and researched, this book will provide the training you wished you had received years ago."" --Kevin Steele, lead pastor, National Hills Baptist Church"

Author Information

Geneece Goertzen is a survivor of more than two decades of domestic violence who now advocates for awareness at local, state, and national levels through leading seminars, collaborating with domestic violence organizations, and managing HopeRiseThrive.com. She is a certified spiritual director and was ordained to gospel ministry by Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Current projects include conducting research on resiliency in survivors while pursuing a PhD.

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