Evangelicalism has been effective in proclaiming the redemptive and reconciling love of God to a world in desperate need. In the last half-century, it has gained in both numbers and influence throughout the globe. Believers can point to many accomplishments and ministries through which they have sought to bring glory to God and healing balm to those in need. There has been a recognition that we must be doers of the word and not hearers only.

In at least one area, however, evangelicals have lagged far behind others involved in humanitarian endeavors. We have failed to address the issue of domestic abuse in any significant way. In actuality, our leaders have been caught in a dilemma that leaves them with a high degree of discomfort even to acknowledge the problem.

Quite correctly, they maintain a high view of the Christian home and seek to build strong families. This is commendable, but it is important that a biblical perspective be offered on domestic abuse. In the Bible, one of the features most strongly emphasized for godly homes is that of safety. Believers are promised that they may dwell in safety, lie down to sleep in safety and that their homes will be free of terror and violence. “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and quiet resting places.” (Isa. 32:18) The theme is a recurrent one. Indeed, the prophet Isaiah maintains that peace in the home, safety and righteousness are the inheritance of the believer (54:13-17). Faithful teaching on the Christian family must include at least as much proclamation of these aspects as is accorded in Scripture.

Lamentably, they have been much neglected, and the very presence of abuse within the Christian family denied. Responsible research, such as that of Calvin College and of Nancy Nason Clark, demonstrates that the rate of abuse is at least as high as in the general population. Because of an unwillingness to face this unpleasant truth, the problem has been denied, concealed, minimized or ignored. Key organizations that focus on the Christian family have failed to address the issue and sometimes attribute concern over this area to those of a more liberal bent. Yet the Bible calls upon the righteous to deliver the oppressed from the hand of the violent and declares that God is angered that there is none to intervene for them.

For these reasons, it is imperative that there be a Christian organization that will help evangelicals to address the issue within their own fold. Since they feel threatened at this point, leaders need to understand that this will be an endeavor of those who know Christ as Lord and Savior, those who seek to do His will.

The deep-seated suspicion may be dispelled first by demonstrating convincingly the reality of the problem within evangelical homes, second by laying out the biblical imperatives that demand a response, and third by offering credible resources to bring about safety and healing.

We need to be able to talk to one another within the family of faith. Slowly we are building a network of born again believers who are involved in ministry to abusive families. There are social workers, shelter workers, therapists, safe home providers, physicians, nurses, law enforcement officers and many others who work on the outposts. In some instances, the work of Christian agencies achieves a rate of success far beyond that of the secular counterparts. They are models to explore and to emulate.

We need to be aware of one another, to be able to use one another’s resources, to pray for one another, and to provide assistance to the evangelical community. We need to have a vehicle that can inform pastors and lay leaders of the existence of effective programs and ministries. If there are no appropriate Christian resources available, we need to be able to identify agencies that will respect the spirituality of the client. We have need of the experience and expertise of those who have blazed a path in addressing the issues of domestic abuse — but we need to offer guidance in selecting those that will be helpful to our flock.

As the body of Christ, we need to be able to respond to emergencies in constructive ways. We bring honor to the Lord by responding appropriately to a need rather than by concealing it. We can do this best when there is a level of trust among those who are communicating. For this we need a distinctively Christian organization, one that will operate with biblical principles, godly compassion, and commitment to alleviating human suffering.

Please donate to PASCH if you value our resources.