Church Hurt

What is Church Hurt

"Church hurt" refers to the emotional or psychological pain that individuals may experience as a result of negative or hurtful experiences within a religious or church community. This term is often used to describe situations where people have felt betrayed, mistreated, or let down by fellow church members, leaders, or the church itself. Church hurt can potentially lead to trauma, although not everyone who experiences church hurt will develop trauma. Trauma results from experiences that overwhelm a person's ability to cope and can have lasting effects on their mental and emotional well-being. In some cases, church hurt can be traumatic if the experiences within the religious community are severe and deeply distressing.

Trauma resulting from church hurt may manifest in various ways, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Trauma can also impact an individual's trust in others, their sense of safety, and their overall mental health. It's important to note that the severity and long-term impact of church hurt will vary from person to person. Some individuals may be resilient and able to recover relatively quickly, while others may struggle with the effects of the hurt for a longer period, potentially leading to trauma.

How Hesed Discipleship Network Helps Others Address Church Hurt

When a person is experiencing significant emotional distress because of church hurt, it's important for them to seek support from a mental health professional or counselor who can provide guidance and coping strategies to address the emotional consequences. Additionally, talking to a trusted friend or family member can also be a helpful step in the healing process. There are limitations to what individuals can do on a one-to-one basis in that our brains are designed to flourish and thrive in a family/community setting. Hesed Discipleship Network exists to help everyday disciples, ministry leaders, and Churches cultivate a culture that can effectively address and overcome Church hurt through creating emotionally healthy communities. The most difficult wound for anyone to overcome is the absence of the good things we all needed to receive and did not in our families of origin growing up. This type of wound affects everyday disciples, ministry leaders, and Church communities in ways that are subtle and vexing, which perpetuates cycles of Church hurt year after year. God is the only one who can directly heal past wounds that cause damage to an individual. There is another type of trauma that has to do with a lack of necessary good things growing up in a family that requires intervention from both God in conjunction with an emotionally healthy Christ-centered family expression over an extended period of time to effectively address, heal from, and overcome Church hurt on a regular basis.

TESTIMONIALS

Hesed Discipleship Network and
Church Hurt Healing TESTIMONIALS

"Early on I experienced that I was both accepted and respected. I had been the Lead Pastor of a small church plant for ten years leading up to this point. Honestly, I was in pretty bad shape spiritually and emotionally. Being on point for our community at the Journey had taken it’s toll. I don’t think I realized how bad my condition was at the time. By November (2019)there were seven of us meeting God was knitting us together. Each of us bringing our unique gifts coupled with a longing to see Jesus movement. Those early days, with the seven of us, God was moving powerfully. It seemed like each week the Holy Spirit was manifesting powerfully. Looking back, it reminds me of the early church, how the signs and wonders were coupled with the proclamation of the gospel. For me, my reasons for making Thursday night a priority began to stack up. Additionally, the men themselves would prove to be among the best and most admirable I know, and lastly my own gifts and calling were being refined and bolstered. We learned the practice of submitting to one another and encourage each other. We would share our stories, what God was doing in and through us, what victories we’d had in the past and what wounds we’d received. We longed to be heard and whole. This longing proved to be from the Father. God was pleased to provide a community where He would fill all things with, in and through his sons. With that said, I say to God, “I am forever grateful for what You have done by allowing and inviting me into this beautiful thing that Thursday’s has become.” My hope is that this is the first fruits of something God wants to multiply among us."

Bryan Dolinar

Ministry Leader, Business Owner

"We have been on a long journey searching for deep, joyful relationships in many different church and parachurch contexts. While we had found content that promised more was available and beautifully described what we thought we had been looking for, we were struggling to make those truths a reality. Now, through the Hesed Discipleship Network, we have found the practical tools and amazing coaches we desperately needed to help realize our dreams for loving Kingdom community.”

Dominic Shulte

Ministry Leader, Executive Coach

"When I first started attending the group, I was in a place of pain, anger, and disappointment that was mixed with disillusionment towards the church, its people, and God himself. This group has become a lifeline that has brought joy into my life. It has promoted a culture of finding the things that bring gratitude and peace. Building on this principle has allowed me to work through my pain and disappointments all the while being with men who listen and care about my story and heart. This group has greatly influenced me and is now something that I must have in my walk with Christ. Through our meeting and connections formed, I find it incredible that every time we get together there is much wisdom and truth shared. I go home from our time knowing that I have experienced Jesus and the power of God through these men that I now call brothers. I am a better man, husband, father, friend, and believer because of our group."