KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 8/1/24)—This October, American Baptist Churches USA invites you to three separate webinars on Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm ET, focusing on the topics of domestic violence and mental health.
Plan now to join us for this series, including:
Faith in Action: Pastors and Faith Leaders Role in Addressing Domestic Violence
Tuesday, October 1, 7:00 pm ET
with presenter Tara Aday, Senior Director of Programs at Safe Haven Ministries
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing awareness to this devastating issue impacting all of our communities– an issue 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will unfortunately experience at some point during their lifetimes. And yet, churches, pastors and faith leaders are uniquely equipped to be both a place of refuge and hope, when they take the steps to build their knowledge and skills to provide effective support. Join Safe Haven Ministries, one of the only faith-based domestic violence organizations in the country, to learn more about domestic violence, its prevalence and steps you can take to better support individuals and families impacted by this type of abuse.
MMBB Cares: Helping Clergy Address Their Mental Health and Vocational Wellbeing
Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 pm ET
with presenter Rev. Dr. Earl Thorpe, Financial Wellness Director at MMBB Financial Services
MMBB Cares is designed for clergy and their families to receive the critical mental health and wellness resources they need to effectively minister to their religious communities. It was borne out of the realization that mental illness is one of the most severe difficulties the pandemic has exacerbated for pastoral leaders. We know that ministry is stressful, and those who need support the most often are the most reluctant to ask for help. MMBB Cares provides clergy who need guidance and support with options to receive mental health counseling or vocational coaching services.
A Biblical Response to Domestic Abuse
Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 pm ET
with presenter Charlene Quint, Family Law Attorney
God calls our churches to be safe places of healing for hurting people. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be healers, a voice for those who have no voice, and defenders of those who have been wounded or mistreated.
However, we cannot fulfill those mandates unless we understand the dynamics and signs of domestic abuse and are equipped to be a healing presence in the lives of those affected by it. To help us be better equipped in this area, Attorney Charlene Quint will lead us in a webinar on how we can be a ministering presence in the lives of people who have suffered domestic abuse.
Quint states that domestic abuse is the most silenced, misunderstood epidemic of our time, and that each one of us knows someone who has been or is currently suffering abuse. Thirty-five percent of women will experience rape, stalking, or severe physical abuse in their lifetime, and forty-eight percent of women will experience coercive control or emotional and verbal abuse, according to the Center for Disease Control. Unfortunately, the statistics for Christians are similar to those of unbelievers. A 2018 Lifeway survey of Protestant pastors reveals that pastors often have good intentions, but are unsure of what to do in cases of domestic abuse. Learn more in this webinar.
For full presenter bios and to register, visit www.abc-usa.org/october-webinar-series.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.