How to Help the Church be Sacred, Soft, and Safe with Pricelis Dominguez
Sep 16, 2024
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Pricelis Dominguez, an insightful author and advocate for healthier faith communities, shares her personal church experiences and transformative insights on creating inclusive environments. She discusses the red flags of pastoral care and the misuse of Scripture, urging discernment and the importance of constructive dialogue. Dominguez also emphasizes the role of empathy in church life and strategies for maintaining hope amidst challenges, all while promoting her new book, "Being a Sanctuary," which encourages a sacred, soft, and safe church for all.
Pricelis Dominguez emphasizes that understanding trauma responses within churches can foster safer, more inclusive environments for all members.
The podcast critiques traditional church conference structures, promoting a focus on genuine community over celebrity speakers for deeper connections.
Dominguez shares her healing journey from church hurt, highlighting the importance of finding congregations that reflect personal values and priorities.
Deep dives
Lotion and Personal Care
The conversation highlights differing personal grooming habits, particularly the practice of applying lotion after bathing. One participant shares their routine of skipping lotion, feeling uncomfortable with the residual wetness it leaves on their skin, while the other insists on the importance of moisturizing to maintain skin health. This discussion extends to how personal preferences around skincare can reflect broader themes of self-care and attentiveness to bodily needs. Ultimately, it sheds light on the significance of comfort and priority in personal hygiene practices.
Introduction of the Guest Author
During the episode, the hosts welcome Purcellis, an author who specializes in topics surrounding healing and the body of Christ. Her first traditionally published book, which addresses both healing from church hurt and broader notions of community, serves as a focal point for conversation. The hosts express admiration for her thoughtful and inclusive approaches she's taken in her work, paving the way for deeper discussions about church culture. Purcellis provides insight into her motivations for writing, emphasizing the desire to present fresh perspectives on often-addressed issues within the church.
Thoughtfulness in Church Events
The discussion delves into the intentionality and authenticity exhibited in church conferences and gatherings, particularly referencing a past event the hosts attended. The hosts reflect on the beauty and depth of that experience, emphasizing that it was free from pretentiousness and focused on genuine community and connection. The conversation also critiques traditional conference structures, advocating for less focus on star speakers and more on collective worship. This highlights the importance of community over celebrity, fostering a nurturing environment for all attendees.
Trauma-Informed Theology
The episode emphasizes the need for churches to adopt trauma-informed practices in their theology and community structures. Purcellis discusses how understanding trauma responses can lead to more inclusive and compassionate church environments, where individuals feel safe and known. This shift not only attends to individual needs but also challenges traditional power dynamics often present within church spaces. Approaching theology through a lens of genuine empathy and understanding can foster healing and growth within congregations.
Navigating Church Hurt
Purcellis shares her journey of healing from church hurt, providing poignant insights into the complexity of finding and belonging to a community. The discussion focuses on how past experiences in unhealthy church environments can affect trust and expectations when searching for new congregations. Both hosts recognize the challenge of identifying and aligning with churches that genuinely reflect their values and priorities. This narrative serves as a reminder of the necessity for ongoing dialogue about trauma, healing, and the pursuit of authentic community within faith spaces.
Many of us have experienced hurt within the church or have had seasons of disconnection from a local faith community. Even if we haven’t, we probably see areas where our current church context could be improved. So what does a healthy church look like and how can we be a part of its flourishing?
Pricelis Dominguez talks with the Perrys about her own church experience, discussing things like pastoral red flags, how Scripture ought to be used, discerning church preferences versus priorities, and remaining hopeful in seasons of despair.
Check out Pricelis’ new book, Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to Be Sacred, Soft, and Safe – https://www.pricelispd.com/basbook
And there’s still time to grab tickets to Sowers Summit 2024, happening September 26-28 in New York City (and available via livestream). With The Perrys listeners get $45 off in-person registration (use code PERRYS) or $25 off virtual tickets (use code PERRYSPOD). https://www.sowerssummit.com/