How Porn Recovery Can Transform Your Church (with Sam Black)
Oct 30, 2023
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Sam Black, Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes, discusses the opportunity for churches to address the problem of pornography, creating safe spaces for healing and transformation. They explore the interconnectedness of porn recovery and spiritual development, and encourage listeners to become champions for recovery in their churches. The transformative journey of recovery is highlighted, emphasizing leaving behind shame and finding wholeness through the healing process.
Addressing the issue of pornography in the church creates a safe environment for deep discipleship and healing, leading to greater passion and commitment among individuals.
Creating safe spaces within the church to share struggles and find genuine hope and healing mobilizes an army of healers who are passionate about supporting others on their journey to freedom.
Deep dives
The Widespread Problem of Pornography in Churches
Many men in the church struggle with pornography, with statistics showing that about two-thirds of men in the church have an ongoing struggle. This issue is not limited to adults, as children and teenagers are also exposed to pornography at a young age. The impact of pornography extends to all ministries within the local church, affecting children's ministries, teen ministries, adult ministries, marriage ministries, and even senior ministries. Despite the alarming statistics, only about 7% of churches are addressing this issue.
The Opportunity for Deep Discipleship
While the problem of pornography in the church can be discouraging, there is a great opportunity for deep discipleship and healing. Churches that are willing to address this issue find that they create a safe environment for people to address their wounds and struggles. The journey toward healing and life change in the context of a supportive church community leads to greater passion and commitment among the individuals. This deep discipleship not only transforms their own lives but also equips them to serve and support others in the local congregation.
Addressing Pornography in the Church
Many churches fail to address the issue of pornography due to underestimating its impact, concerns about overwhelming brokenness, or a lack of understanding about the struggle. However, there is a need to create safe spaces within the church where individuals can share their struggles and find genuine hope and healing. It is crucial to approach this topic with empathy, understanding why people turn to pornography as a coping mechanism. With intentional effort and cultural change, churches can address this issue effectively and mobilize an army of healers who are passionate about supporting others on their journey to freedom.
What if your church was a safe space to outgrow porn? Sam Black explains how porn recovery ministry leads to less work for pastors, more generous donors, more passionate volunteers, and a legacy of health for the next generation.
Sam Black is the Director of Recovery Education at CovenantEyes. He has edited 16 books on the impact of pornography and authored two: The Porn Circuit and The Healing Church.