Description
Abstract: Child sexual abuse leaves a profound impact. The impact is com- pounded when the offender who committed the abuse is a person of faith, and a spiritual leader within the home or church. This article shares the stories of adult victim-survivors of child sexual abuse who have experienced healing through incarnational ministry and discipleship. Each of these individuals was abused by someone who represented the Christian faith, experienced years of suffering, and is now able to testify of their healing. Through these brave stories, we see an opportunity for the church to embrace an incarnational model of the atonement, which is lived out in discipleship.
Melodie Bissell, D.Min., is the founder, chair, and senior safeguard- ing consultant with Plan to Protect. Melodie is the author of numerous books and journal articles. In 2022, Melodie received her doctorate at the University of Toronto. Her thesis was on nurturing the spiritual healing of victim-survivors of abuse.
