This morning Derrick shared his sermon with me before church. That is a very rare thing. I knew then, today could be the start of some healing for the church.
Before the sermon, Rob shared with the church of the boy inappropriately touching several girls. He read the letter that had gone out to the parents of the teens this past week and then shared what actions the church was taking — removing the boy from participation in events at Singing Hills, reporting to DHS, and finding counseling for the boy.
Derrick then preached his already planned sermon from Isaiah 9:2-7. He preached that the church is to be a safe place, but this has not been a safe place. He committed the church to change that. Derrick included reference to the abuse that had occurred with Steve & Trish’s daughter.
The feedback was good. I did not hear a lot, but Derrick heard some. What was heard was positive. (The exception is that Mike was angry of there being reference to the previous situation.)
Derrick and I spent time with Steve & Trish tonight. They are hurting. They are glad this situation is being handled much better – and in the light. But it is hurtful to them that their situation was not dealt with, but hidden. And that the blame was put on them. As Derrick guides the situation today, it reminds Steve & Trish how badly their situation was handled. It leaves them with questions of value… why were they not valued enough to respond appropriately? Why was their daughter who was raped multiple times not protected? Why was she not responded to when it came to light? Was she not important enough?
The answer of course is not of value, but of WHO is leading the response. Derrick is willing to make a stand for righteousness. Derrick has clarity about who should be protected… That it is the oppressed, the weak, the victim who needs protection and not the perpetrator. Unfortunately, this is in direct contrast to how the situation was handled for Steve & Trish’s daughter. Steve & Trish have an intellectual understanding of the difference. It still hurts the heart, though.
we’ve been praying all day and checking in to hear how the church responded – good news on the blog in the middle of a tough time! I’ll bet that any other ‘wolves’ that might be in the congregation won’t be preying on other vulnerable ones, though – because this flock has a Shepherd who is following the Chief Shepherd!
I am reminded on a day like today how blessed I am to be married to the Shepherd. He is faithful, even in adversity. Today was a victory for the Church… unlike last time.