Abuse and the Church 2.0

Abuse and the Church 2.0: Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Summary

The Church and faith-based communities continue to be confronted with cases of individuals experiencing various types of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional and spiritual abuse, and abuse of power at home, in the community, and inside the Church. In this course, noted Christian Counselor Leslie Vernick will help church and ministry leaders learn how to respond well to the initial report of abuse with humility, courage, and compassion and provide resources to continue improving the body of Christ’s response to this pressing issue.

Learning Objectives

Participants will...

1. Identify the churches’ role in responding to initial reports of abuse
2. Develop a roadmap for loving, listening, and caring well for victims of abuse
3. Discuss how to care for the abuser and develop guidelines for restoration

Course Lessons and Descriptions

APL 101: The Church’s Role in Abuse Prevention and Response
Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
The Church should be one of the safest places for anyone to belong, but historically, the Church has not been that sanctuary and safe place for all. This lesson will discuss the church's role in responding to reports of abuse.

APL 102: Caring for Victims: Answering God’s Call to Care
Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
What matters most when a victim brings forth an allegation of abuse? Their courage to tell you. This lesson will provide a roadmap for what loving, listening and caring well for a victim looks like.

APL 103: Caring for Perpetrators: Truth, Repentance and Love
Leslie Vernick, M.S.W.
The church should not only care for the victim but also the perpetrator. This lesson will discuss how to speak the truth in love, the role of a church or ministry leader, and what true restoration looks like.

Continuing Education

Target Audience: Mental Health Coaches, Pastors, and Ministry Leaders

3.00 CE Credits available for IBCC Credential Holders.

This course includes 3 Continuing Education (CE) credits approved for counselors, life coaches, and crisis responders who are credentialed through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) or one of its affiliate boards: the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counseling (BCPPC); the Board of Christian Life Coaching (BCLC); the Board of Mental Health Coaching (BMHC) and the Board of Christian Crisis and Trauma Response (BCCTR).

Note: This course does not meet CE requirements for licensed mental health professionals.