What happens when the places God designed to lead us closer to Him, to healing and wholeness, and freedom, become hurtful and toxic? When past hurts create present anxiety that make it challenging for us to enter church buildings, join community groups, and connect with Christ? Unfortunately, many people wrestle with these questions as they try to make sense of God. For those who have been wounded by people in positions of authority, it can be hard to untangle truth from human criticism and God’s character from the false representation of Him.

In this episode, Minister Dawn Gentry, the Executive Director of Adult Ministries at Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, and Jennifer’s daughter, Ashley Chester, discuss some of the church hurts they’ve experienced and witnessed and how God helped them move toward increased wholeness and gave them the courage to overcome lies spoken into their hearts in order live for Him.

Find Dawn Gentry at:
https://followinggodanyway.com
https://www.facebook.com/dawn.gentry2
https://www.instagram.com/gentry2987/

Find Jennifer:
https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com
https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte
https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/

Find Wholly Loved, at:
https://www.WhollyLoved.com

Join the private Faith Over Fear Group Here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/442736966614671

Book Dawn mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Group Discussion Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in today’s episode?
2. Why do hurts related to faith hurt so deeply?
3. When have you been told, in the context of religion, that you’re not enough or that you’re “too much”? How did this make you feel?
4. How would you describe a toxic faith group?
5. How would you describe a healthy faith group?
6. When has a past hurt hindered your ability to attend church, join a group, or connect with God?
7. What are some healthy ways group members can respond to another member’s doubts or questions?
8. What are some unhealthy responses to someone’s doubts or questions?
9. What are some ways a person can begin to separate hurts they’ve experienced from the love of God?
10. Why is it important to always remember who we are in Christ?
11. What is one action step God is inviting you to take based on today’s episode?

Episode Image Credit: Getty/Image_Jungle

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