Here’s a summary of what to do if you’ve been hurt by the church:
1. Before exposing yourself back to the same hurtful environment, REST.
Give yourself space to heal.
2. Decide in your heart to forgive.
No matter how hard it is, posture your heart towards it. (I stayed at it for 12 months) Don’t give up!
3. If you have trouble with Step 2, seek help from friends, mentors, pastors or counselor.
Not everyone has access to a therapist and that is OK. Ask God (not me!) to show you WHO can help you. Trust Him to show you.
4. Where necessary, and if God leads you to do so, climb the ladder of integrity with those who hurt you. This may NOT be necessary and needs discernment. Sometimes, it’s wiser to walk away.
5. After a season of rest, expose yourself back to church settings- trial and error, cut your ministry load, correct the posture of yr heart. Gradually, increase your “load” for Christian settings like you would in rehabilitative exercise.
Accept that you may be hurt again, and that’s okay. You’re growing.
But be aware of your triggers & thoughts and journal them down.
Above all, commit to being reconciled to His body.