This is the true story of a church in America's Bible Belt, the First Christian Church in Florissant, Missouri--a church with a meager beginning and record of steady growth for forty-nine years until the weight of sexual abuse charges against a youth minister left it, and its congregation, broken. This is a case history and analysis of those events.
This is for the victims. —Joy S. Taylor, Author
Come along with me through discussion of characteristics of churches and pastors that tend to operate this way under the threat of misconduct exposure. Let’s look at common techniques of leadership during the cover-up process.
Lord, I await the moment when my faith becomes my sight and I see You as You are. I so want to hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I come to your mercy seat in your name above all names and authority greater than any other, according to the good and perfect…
Today is a beautiful day, because “Thus says the LORD: ‘Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.’” (Isaiah 56:1 ESV) Thus says the LORD #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday
Father, your steadfast love and faithful compassion upon your people encourages me as I see You promise your covenant of peace will not be removed. Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah. With this promise, You infer that floodwaters will not be the agent that scrubs away sin, but the blood of Jesus will be in its…
Today is a beautiful day, because “‘In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,’ says the Lord, your Redeemer. ‘This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over…
Lord Jesus, hated, despised by men and nations, crucified for your perfection, buried in a borrowed tomb, and arisen to your appointed throne. You paid our ransom to free us from sin and death. You rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. You return as King of Kings and Lord of lords. That day draws nearer…
Today is a beautiful day, because God indicates man will hate Jesus, yet a time comes when He will be recognized and honored as God’s chosen One, “Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: ‘Kings shall see and…
Father, I have anchors in the upheaval of current events that keep me focused and sane. Your Word is trustworthy and true. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I stand on this rock that is higher than I. I lean on Jesus as a firm foundation. Thank you in His name and…
Today is a beautiful day, because God declares, “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other. I did not speak…
Creator God, You are so lovingly patient to hear my prayers and answer my questions. This verse reminds me of your sovereignty and that my prayers are requests and petitions. I don’t want them to become ‘to do’ or ‘don’t do’ lists, demands on your performance. I come with a humble spirit to request your…
Today is a beautiful day, because God extols His position as Creator, “Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: ‘Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands?’” (Isaiah 45: 11 ESV) Thus says the LORD #joyinverse…
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