There are moments in the life of a church when heaven holds its breath to see how we will respond.

One of those moments is when a woman courageously comes forward and says, “He abused me.”

These words are never easy. They carry the weight of fear, trauma, shame, and risk. They often come after months—or years—of wrestling, praying, doubting, and pleading with God for the right moment to speak. When she speaks, we must be ready to listen with the ears of Christ, hold space with the heart of the Father, and act with the courage of the Spirit.

The Heart of God Is for the Oppressed

Throughout Scripture, God consistently aligns Himself with the vulnerable. He is “a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9). Jesus rebuked those who used power to harm and drew near to those who had been cast aside. His ministry was not one of silence in the face of injustice but of truth that sets captives free.

When a woman in our church says she has been abused, she is not bringing division—she is bringing truth into the light. And the Church must be the one place where truth does not have to compete for oxygen. Our response should reflect the character of Christ: protective, clear, compassionate, and just.

What Does a Faithful Response Look Like?

1. Believe Her, Gently
   Believing doesn’t mean presuming guilt before due process—but it does mean listening without suspicion. We honor her voice by making space for her story without minimizing, dismissing, or demanding perfect details. Jesus never required the woman at the well or the woman who touched His robe to “prove” their worthiness of compassion. He simply saw them.
2. Ensure Her Safety
   The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to protect the one. If a woman is not safe, spiritually or physically, we must act. This includes helping her access professional trauma-informed support, ensuring she is not forced into harmful encounters, and creating distance from the alleged abuser while investigations take place. Safety is not optional—it is discipleship in action.
3. Report to Authorities
   Romans 13 calls us to respect governing authorities. When abuse is alleged, the Church must not handle it “in house” alone. We report, cooperate, and follow the law—because justice is not worldly; it’s holy. Delaying or covering up abuse is not grace—it is grave spiritual malpractice.
4. Hold the Accused Accountable
   If the person accused of abuse is in leadership, the bar of accountability is even higher. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are clear that leaders must be above reproach. Suspension or removal during an investigation is not a punishment—it’s stewardship of the flock.
5. Care for the Community
   Abuse affects more than just two people—it ripples through the entire Body. We offer care not just for the survivor, but for the church family who may be confused, grieving, or afraid. Truth-telling, lament, and healing are communal.
6. Root Ourselves in the Gospel
   The gospel is not threatened by hard truths. In fact, it was born in the tension between suffering and redemption. When we respond with humility and transparency, we bear witness to the kind of love that does not hide in the shadows but walks bravely into the light.

A Call to Be the Church Jesus Envisioned

The Church is not called to protect its image—we are called to protect its people. When we choose compassion over image management, truth over silence, and justice over self-preservation, we become a place of refuge again. A place where survivors can breathe. Where healing can begin. Where Christ is not misrepresented—but clearly seen.

If a woman comes forward in your church with words of pain and courage, remember: this is holy ground. May we remove our shoes, quiet our egos, and listen—because Jesus is very near.