How Church Abuse Contributes to Dechurched Casualties

In this episode of As In Heaven, hosts Jim Davis and Mike Aitcheson welcome Justin Holcomb to discuss the meaning of "dechurched casualties" and how abuse in a church environment contributes to people leaving the church. They discuss how to better engage those who have experienced abuse, especially spiritual and church abuse, and how the gospel is the ultimate source of healing. 

Episode time stamps:

• Episode and Justin Holcomb introduction (0:00)
• Definitions for spiritual and emotional abuse (4:41)
• Spiritual abuse as defined by Michael Kruger and Scott Clark (9:02)
• What to do if you suspect spiritual abuse (13:37)
• How to biblically handle abuse allegations against church leaders (17:18)
• Listen and believe: first steps to reporting abuse in the church (23:12)
• Respond well and initiate action (28:00)
• How the church should handle abuse in the church (33:43)
• How to minister to abuse survivors who have left the church (39:03)
• God's protection and questions to ask your new church (44:08)

This episode is part of As in Heaven’s third season, devoted to The Great Dechurching—the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history. To learn more about this phenomenon on which the episodes of this season are based, preorder The Great Dechurching by Michael Graham and Jim Davis.