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After experiencing church hurt and coercion as a teen, I wrestled for years with the term spiritual abuse . Here is why a faith-affirming framework matters. Art by Sabrina Paredes I write from lived experience, more than twenty years of working with youth in church settings, and ongoing learning about evidence-based safeguarding that names harm clearly without undermining faith. I began researching the term spiritual abuse in 2018. That led me down a path that was both diffi

After years of searching for non-polarizing resources to understand behavior in faith-based relationships, I found Lisa Oakley’s research. It reshaped my understanding and gave me hope that this topic can be explored in ways that build faith and healthy cultures. I write from lived experience, more than twenty years of working with youth in church settings, and ongoing learning about evidence-based safeguarding that names harm clearly without undermining faith. Why negative

As a teen, my decision to explore a different Christian denomination was met with unexpected opposition. What unfolded taught me why religious freedom matters and that Jesus Christ heals spiritual wounds. This is my story of church hurt and spiritual abuse, and how I stayed faithful and reclaimed my agency. I write from lived experience, more than twenty years of working with youth in church settings, and ongoing learning about evidence-based safeguarding that names harm clea

It's normal to not know how to respond to a loved one's church hurt, or imperfect experiences in faith-based relationships. As one who has both tried to minister to others and who has been ministered to, this is my advice.