GRACE

GRACE - Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment || Empowering Christian communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse.

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

2025 has been a difficult year for so many-- and we have felt that here, at GRACE. In addition to the loss of our friend, and beloved Executive Director Pete, this has also been a year of unexpected funding loss. Our resources are stretched, even as the demand for GRACE’s work continues to grow into new, and exciting territory.

And that’s why we’re turning to you. GRACE’s work has always been fueled by people who believe that the Church can do better—and must do better. Your generosity is not just a gift. It is participation in our mission. It tangibly protects children. It strengthens churches. It offers survivors the dignity of being heard and supported. Your year-end support is a source of light in the darkness, ensuring that GRACE can continue responding to those who need us— those looking for a reason to keep hoping that compassionate, safe, accountable, healing faith communities are possible.

Give today at https://t.co/6ctT4T3lA5

#GRACE #yearendgiving #abuseprevention #abuseresponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

We believe that abuse prevention and response isn't just a social mandate—but a biblical one. As GRACE Director of Institutional Response Robert Peters stated in a recent interview with Evangelical Focus:

"A culture of concealment lies to victims and to the world about who God is and what He thinks of them. It replaces the sacrificial love of Christ with a self-protective avarice that prioritizes an institution's image over the imago Dei in each person. Every individual is precious in the sight of God. To silence their voices and cover up their pain is to dehumanize them and do violence against their souls, often in the name of God. The cost of this failure is severe, both for the individual and for the Church's collective witness. When the Church fails to live out its professed values, it signals to a watching world that it does not actually believe them."

To read the rest of Robert's interview with Evangelical Focus on the centricity of abuse prevention and response to the Church's witness visit: https://t.co/6WHOt051gp

#GRACE #EvangelicalFocus #AbusePrevention #AbuseResponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
June 23, 1-3pm ET

In an era where a significant portion of our lives are online, staying ahead of digital threats is essential for families and faith leaders alike.

Join us for a high-impact presentation to equip parents, ministry leaders, and all who care about protecting kids and teens. This 2-hour course brings together the frontline experience of seasoned law enforcement and church leadership to provide a practical and faith-based grounding for prevention and response to online threats, including:

-How to recognize and protect against grooming, cyberbullying, and sophisticated scams before they hit home.
-Proven strategies and resources for talking to kids and teens about online safety.
-Step-by-step guidance on what to do if a digital boundary is crossed.

This presentation is designed for all caring adults - parents, educators, youth pastors, children’s directors, and ministry leaders - who want to move from fear to informed confidence.

Register Now: https://t.co/YF2JATPDCz

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Our GRACE Live Conversation on AI and online exploitation with special guests Doctor Rebecca Portnoff (Head of Data Science & AI at Thorn) and Detective Tony Godwin (ICAC Investigator & Host of A&E’s Predator Hunters) is now available on YouTube!

Watch Now: https://t.co/4Y8BqqKIFA

#GRACELiveConversation #GRACE #AI #OnlineExploitationPrevention #OnlineSafety

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Last Chance to Register!

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
Responding to Minors with Problematic Sexual Behaviors in the Church
Led by Robert Peters and Laura Thien
June 3, 1-3pm ET
Cost: $79 USD

Church leaders often feel ill-equipped or overwhelmed with how to respond and care for minors with problematic sexual behaviors in the church and those impacted by them. This two-hour course offers relevant research, practical guidance for appropriate response, and engages participants in practical scenarios. If you are a church leader or parent this course is designed for you.

Register: https://t.co/XduSiyIFjj

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Effective safeguarding in faith communities starts with understanding that abuse prevention isn’t an act, a checklist, a quick video, or a children’s minister’s task. Rather, safeguarding is a culture and a shared responsibility between all members of a faith community. That is why GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)’s Safeguarding Initiative invites churches, schools, and institutions to move beyond risk management to a community commitment. Let’s create faith communities where the most vulnerable are safe to be present and live out the practices of their faith.

Learn More at https://t.co/yckcSB1s0p

#GRACE #ChurchSafety #AbusePrevention #ChurchCulture #SafeGuarding

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Ever brought forward a concern or disclosure only to be met with statements like:

- Talking about this to others is gossip
- Bringing this up is causing division
- You need to search your own heart first
- That's just your trauma talking
- Forgive and forget
- No one is perfect / We all make mistakes
- Suffering produces holiness
- Don't be driven by fear
- Love covers a multitude of sins

Author and GRACE Executive Editor Wade Mullen defines these reality-bending phrases as those that "make what is dangerous appear holy, what is protective appear sinful, and what is abusive appear loving. These phrases do not simply end thought, but reshape the playing field and the rules of engagement in which dialogue occurs."

If you've ever experienced the use of one of these phrases, we encourage you to check out Wade's full article on "The Wheel of Reality Bending Phrases" over on his personal substack at https://t.co/ss0iEjlYTw

#Spiritualabuse #spiritualharm #GRACE #churchharm #wademullen

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
Responding to Minors with Problematic Sexual Behaviors in the Church
June 3, 1-3pm ET
Cost: $79 USD

In one week, join instructors, Robert Peters and Laura Thien, for an important conversation about responding to minors with problematic sexual behaviors in the church.

Robert Peters has developed and delivered training, tools, and technical assistance to child abuse prosecutors and allied professionals across the United States through work with GRACE, Zero Abuse Project, and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).

Laura Thien brings more than eighteen years of dedicated service to survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, and other trauma—experience that spans work in adoptions, clinical practice, and victim advocacy, and non-profit Board leadership.

Robert and Laura will lead this two-hour course that covers relevant research, practical guidance for appropriate response, and engages participants in practical scenarios related to responding well to minors with problematic sexual behaviors in the church .

Register today at https://t.co/qWslcmmV3a

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Matthew 18:15-17 is one of the most frequently misunderstood and misused Scripture passages that we see in GRACE investigations. If you've ever been told to reconcile with someone who abused you (or if you've wondered if a survivor is biblically mandated to confront their abuser before leaving), we encourage you to check out our conversation with Wade Mullen and Jay Kieve on the appropriate application of the Matthew 18 process and why it shouldn't apply to situations of abuse.

Watch the full conversation on GRACE's YouTube channel!

🔗 https://t.co/Zd4DYRJMyr

#conflictresolution #Matthew18process #GRACE #GRACELiveConversation #abuseawareness #abuseresponse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Free Online Webinar
May 26 at 1 pm ET

Join us TOMORROW for an FREE Webinar on AI and exploitation, covering:

- How AI has changed online exploitation
- What safety loopholes parents should be aware of on different social media and gaming platforms
- AI generated CSAM & deep fakes
- How to keep kids safe online

Guests include Dr. Rebecca Portnoff (Head of Data Science & AI at Thorn) and Detective Tony Godwin (ICAC Investigator & Host of A&E’s Predator Hunters)

Register now: https://t.co/ZrGadhnZld

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
Responding to Minors with Problematic Sexual Behaviors in the Church
Led by Robert Peters and Laura Thien
June 3, 1-3pm ET
Cost: $79 USD

Church leaders often feel ill-equipped or overwhelmed with how to respond and care for minors with problematic sexual behaviors in the church and those impacted by them. This two-hour course offers relevant research, practical guidance for appropriate response, and engages participants in practical scenarios. If you are a church leader or parent this course is designed for you.

Register today at https://t.co/qWslcmmV3a

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Far too often, we see faith leaders that are afraid to speak transparently, go through an independent investigation, or lament failure on an institutional level because they think it will harm the witness of their church.

And, the truth is, the way they respond WILL impact directly impact their witness... but justice, transparency, accountability, and lament are never the problem—self-protection is.

If your faith community is struggling with how to handle an allegation of abuse/misconduct by a staff or volunteer, GRACE has expert consultations to help you walk through the situation in a way that witnesses to the truth of Jesus rather than belying it.

Learn more at https://t.co/ODrstpbiA3

#GRACE #AbuseResponse #AbuseAwareness #ChurchHarm #SpiritualAbuse

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

FREE GRACE Live Conversation
Protecting Children from Online Exploitation
Guests: Dr. Rebecca Portnoff & Detective Tony Godwin
Tuesday, May 26 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Faith communities must understand the modern landscape of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)—including how it is produced, how it spreads, and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence. Join us on May 26th for an important discussion on protecting children against these online concerns.

Register today - https://t.co/ZrGadhnZld

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Experiencing abuse and other trauma in the Church creates a deep wound. Each person determines their best path toward incorporating this trauma into their understanding of themselves, the world around them, God, and how all of these connect. For many, the best path includes the use of a professional licensed mental health therapist. GRACE receives a number of emails every month asking if we either provide therapy or can refer to a therapist. While we don’t provide therapy, we often share ideas about how to find a therapist who could be a good fit.

Remember: you get to screen therapists you are considering. You can decide if they are a good fit or if they have the skills you feel you need. You can disagree with your therapist. While this is not an exhaustive list of strategies for finding a good therapist, it can be a place to start.

Read the article at: https://t.co/2ACzugDUul

#Therapy #GRACE #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #ChurchResources

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Online Short-Form Leadership Course
Responding to Minors with Problematic Sexual Behaviors in the Church
June 3, 1-3pm ET

Join Robert Peters, GRACE Director of Institutional Response, and Laura Thien, GRACE Executive Director as they discuss how to respond to minors with problematic sexual behaviors in the church. Addressing these cases effectively presents complex challenges and considerations and as a result, church leaders often feel ill-equipped or overwhelmed with how to respond and care for those involved. This course offers relevant research, practical guidance for appropriate response, and engages participants in practical scenarios.

If you are a church leader or parent this course is designed for you.

Register today at https://t.co/qWslcmmV3a

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Short-Form Leadership Course
Responding to Minors with Problematic Sexual Behaviors in the Church
June 3, 1-3pm ET
Cost: $79 USD

Cases involving youth with problematic sexual behavior are tragically common in faith communities; however, addressing these cases effectively presents complex challenges and considerations. As a result, church leaders often feel ill-equipped or overwhelmed with how to respond and care for those involved. This two-hour course offers relevant research, practical guidance for appropriate response, and engages participants in practical scenarios.

Register today at https://t.co/qWslcmmV3a

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Truth telling and repentance have always been an integral part of the Christian life—so why do we so often see scandals about churches who have denied, covered up, minimized or justified themselves when it comes to culpability for institutional failure?

A big part of it is that truth telling requires accountability. And not just accountability of the perpetrator of abuse or misconduct.

- Accountability of leadership.
- Accountability of bystanders.
- Accountability for culture creators and maintainers.

And accountability doesn't *feel* great. It is often costly. BUT, it can also lead to something beautiful. For healing to happen, for goodness to flourish, there must be a pruning away of what is dead and diseased.

GRACE Independent Investigations have never been about tearing down the Church through scandals. Our heart is, and always has been, to tell the truth so that the Body of Christ can flourish. To learn more about our approach and services visit https://t.co/HutlkNsnIs

#GRACE #AbuseResponse #IndependentInvestigations #InstitutionalCourage

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

FREE GRACE Live Conversation
Protecting Children from Online Exploitation
Tuesday, May 26 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

On May 26 we’ll by joined by two experts from the front lines of technology and law enforcement for a discussion on protecting children online. Join us for this free, online, live training event with Q&A.

Dr. Rebecca Portnoff (Head of Data Science & AI at Thorn): Rebecca leads the team building the AI tools used by global law enforcement to find and rescue victims. She will share how generative AI is changing the landscape of exploitation and what can be done to prevent it.

Detective Tony Godwin (ICAC Investigator & Host of A&E’s Predator Hunters): With decades of experience working alongside the FBI and Homeland Security, Tony brings a direct perspective on how predators use technology to target victims and how communities can identify these threats.

Register today - https://t.co/qoq5RAdsI8

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

When an institution fails, it is our duty as Christ-followers to speak the truth. As soon as we care more about maintaining the reputation of the church or ministry than about the actual people inside it... we've fundamentally lost what the gospel is all about.

Because people are sacred. Systems are not.

GRACE Independent Investigations help organizations move away from self-protection and toward true, redemptive accountability.

Learn more about our investigative process at https://t.co/ohAA8XHGYL #GRACE #IndependentInvestigations #DianeLangberg #ChurchAccountability #AbuseAwareness

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Phrases like, "Everything happens for a reason" or "I'm grateful for X, Y, or Z harm" are often used as a means of meaning-making or answering WHY something bad happened to you, someone you love, or your community. But trauma is not a gift. Injustice and harm are not forces of good in the world.

In Romans 8:28, the Apostle Paul says that "God works all things for the good of those who love him." Did you catch the distinction? God works all things FOR good—but not all things ARE good.

The gift, the grace, the good is in the way that we grow post-trauma, that our bodies adapt and survive, that our community comes around and supports, that our God understands and holds compassion. The gift is never, ever the harm.

To listen to the entire conversation with Laura Thien and Aundi Kolber visit GRACE's YouTube Channel at: https://t.co/bphOFlfLD7

#GRACE #GRACELiveConversations #MeaningMaking #TraumaAndHealing #AbuseAwareness

[GRACE @netgrace_org]

Mother’s Day can carry a lot of different emotions—be it grief, celebration , remembrance, joy, longing, or a quiet ache. We want you to know that wherever you find yourself today, you are seen.

#MothersDay #GRACE