There seems to be an ever-growing problem in the church where men and women are not getting the help that they need... Whether its help for porn addiction, betrayal trauma, or other sexual struggles, the lack of help is tragic.
We have seen stats showing us show us that roughly 70% of men, 56% of pastors and 15% of women watch porn regularly and see it as a struggle in their lives. These are huge numbers! They show us that there is a huge problem not being dealt with and that the help being offered is either non-existent or unhelpful! The reality is, in North America, only 7% of churches offer a recovery program to help with porn addiction... This means that there is silence and lack in an area with such a high number of sufferers. This then robs the church of vulnerability and safety which are 2 elements that are vital to overcoming addiction
We share all of this because we want to help fill the gap! We see the gifts God has blessed everyone with - Pastors are teachers and shepherds of the word and for us, we are gifted in teaching and coaching on the topic of sexual addiction and freedom from pornography. Its not wise for us to ask someone who is gifted in one area to try and help in an area of weakness... it just doesn't make sense! This is why we want to help churches utilize systems like Secret Habit... so they can focus on their gifts and we can focus on ours. (See 1 Corinthians 12 to see how this is to be lived out)
This is how the church becomes healthy... this is how the church becomes a hospital... this is how pastors thrive in their giftings... this is how church members feel seen, heard and connected!
Part of the issue with all of this is that the church has been indoctrinated by the "purity culture" movement... A focus on avoidance, prohibition and annihilation has become the norm for pastors and how they educate on dealing with sin. This does not work!! Clearly, by the stats and the health of our church, we need to take a different approach
In this episode, we unpack all of this with a posture to help the church, fill the gaps and ensure the flock is healthy and cared for.
* Secret Habit Pornography Recovery Accelerator: The All in One porn recovery system for Christian men who want to find lasting freedom from porn
People/Authors mentioned in this episode:
Jay Stringer: Unwanted
Julie Slattery: Authentic Intimacy and Sexual Discipleship
Sheila Gregoire: The Great Sex Rescue