At Church

After 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 (rather than dismantle) 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

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.

No matter how an event resurfaces, our Savior understands. He was there before. He’s with us now. He overcame all things. "Hide" by Elisabeth Handelsby I write from lived experience and years of working with youth in church settings, with ongoing learning in safeguarding and recovery from spiritual wounds. Uncomfortable at Church Camp It’s late on the last night of church camp, and I’ve forgotten where I’ve parked my car (which means I can’t access my dorm). A few hours later

Simple planning, shared leadership, and a Christ-centered focus make church camps meaningful and memorable without burnout or cringe. Artwork by Emily Harper Mention “church camp,” and adults often react in extremes. Some light up enthusiastically, recalling joyful memories from their youth. Others groan. “I LOVE camp.” “I HATE camp.” I’ve heard both almost equally. Those reactions, and my own experiences, have led me to this question: How can we make church camps spiritually

It can be easy to see an unhappy camper as a problem to fix rather than a person to love. But what would Jesus do? Church-camp goers come in all forms—some youth count down the days to go, while others count down the hours until they can go home. Emotional stress at camp can come from changing friendships, shifting hormones, a faith crisis, or simply physical and social exhaustion (especially for introverts!). Whatever the reason, here are a few practical ways to anticipate a