Amid reports of declining church attendance in the U.S. today, religion publishers are addressing a major factor that drives congregants away—negative experiences with clergy members or other parishioners.
In 2015, the Pew Research Center surveyed over 35,000 American adults and reported a decline in the number of people who say they regularly go to religious services. Pew followed up in 2016 with a study on how Americans choose a new church and why, finding that 11% of adults have left a congregation due to a disagreement with clerics or fellow churchgoers.
On the heels of those findings, new books suggest a need for resources on how to cope with disagreements between congregants and their churches, as well as more serious problems such as mistreatment and rejection occurring within houses of worship. Each title includes examples of painful experiences and different ways to find healing in the church again.
Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics
Father Berg, professor of moral theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., addresses the issue of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, drawing on his painful experience and sharing the stories of others. He makes a case that not only is healing possible, but that wounds can help build stronger Christians and better disciples.
Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God After Experiencing a Hurtful Church
Presbyterian pastor Merritt presents a plan to help those who have suffered from sexism, homophobia, or manipulative religious politics in their churches. She writes that the first step toward healing is to separate God from the wounds inflicted in his name and “find a way to hold on to the sweetness and wholeness and healing the spiritual life can bring.”
Wounded in the Church: Hope Beyond the Pain
Veteran ministry leaders Hayward and Beeson collect accounts of Christians who have been rejected, abused, or frightened by members of their church or church leaders. The book offers examples and tips for how to help people learn to grieve abuse, leave unhealthy attitudes and patterns, and regain trust in the church.
Renewed: A 40-Day Devotional for Healing from Church Hurt and for Loving Well in Ministry
Geared toward women in ministry, this 40-day devotional includes stories of women who have been hurt by their churches and have struggled with forgiveness. Powers, who has worked in ministry for 15 years, encourages wounded churchgoers to recover their love of the church through reflection questions as well as prayer and worship exercises.
