I sometimes give overly simple answers to complex questions.
“Why should we care about the sexual abuse crisis?” I was asked. I gave a simple answer: We care because we’re Christians. Christians care about people because Jesus cared about people, especially hurting people.
That may be the simple answer, but the real answer is much more complex. Saying we care is not enough. On complex issues, we need to learn how to care for people.
I began my ministry in Arizona caring deeply about people, but I was clueless to know how to help those experiencing deep hurt. I knew sexual and physical abuse were real issues, but they simply weren’t part of my world.
It didn’t take long until I saw firsthand the deep hurt and dysfunction that follows all kinds of abuse:
— My first sermon (at age 15) was delivered in a homeless shelter in South Tucson — a far different setting from my middle-class suburban church. The stories I heard that night about all types of abuse, addiction and hopelessness shocked me.
— As a part-time youth pastor in Tucson, I was shocked to learn that three of the 12 teens who attended youth camp with me had been either sexually or physically abused. I cried and prayed with them, but I was spiritually and mentally unprepared to help them on a deeper level.
— As a student at Grand Canyon College I had the opportunity to pastor a tiny church in Gila Bend. I was once again shocked when I found out the scars on the hands of 6-year-old Isaac were from candle flames purposely used by his parents to discipline him.
— As a young pastor in Mohave Valley, a leading member of my church punched a hole in my office wall in anger when I wouldn’t tell him where a deacon and I had taken his battered wife.
— As a pastor in Avondale, I’ve had to help multiple families whose children were sexually abused. And I’ve had to call the authorities numerous times to report cases that had been reported to me.
— And, like many of you, I was frustrated, saddened and angered to read the Guidepost Solutions report on sexual abuse that clearly indicated how poorly Southern Baptist churches have responded and dealt with sex abuse in the church.
I’m no longer shocked when I hear stories of sexual or physical abuse, but I am very deeply saddened because I know that behind every story and headline there are hurting people who need help and healing. They need to find it in a safe, protected and caring church that offers healing through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If we want to be like Jesus — and I think we do — it’s our responsibility to be that church and to offer that love. All hurting people need that place and that love, and perhaps no one hurts more deeply than victims of abuse.
I am convinced Southern Baptists do care, but we need to move beyond talking about caring and educate ourselves on how best to provide that care. It’s not an easy task, but it’s necessary if we truly want to be like Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was edited for brevity, length, and was written by Jack Marslender and originally published by Arizona’s Portraits.
