In the aftermath of misconduct churches also experience betrayal and struggle to understand what has happened. It is difficult to know what to do when a pastor has betrayed the church through misuse of power, sexual abuse or some other type of professional misconduct.

As a result of misconduct congregations may:

Research shows that churches that do not effectively address the trauma of clergy sexual abuse continue to be troubled for years following the event. Loss of membership (and corresponding loss of revenues) a diminished sense of mission and ministry, ongoing conflict and mistrust among church members and difficulty with future pastors are all a part of what congregations experience in the aftermath of sexual abuse or professional misconduct by a pastoral leader. These problems can last for generations.

AEPPP’s consultation and intervention services help churches work through the trauma of betrayal. Now in our tenth year, AEPPP is a trusted resource for churches. AEPPP staff will meet with the governing body of the church to learn about the congregation, the history and to assist leaders in assessing the present situation. Using trauma management and family systems theory a process will be designed specifically for your congregation. AEPPP will provide staff, education and supervision throughout the process.

If your congregation is stuck in conflict, confusion and betrayal, help is available. 

For more information, please contact us.


SERVICES INCLUDE


INTERVENTION AND DISCLOSURE

In the immediate aftermath of betrayal it is not easy to determine a course of action. Designing and implementing an intervention and disclosure process is contingent on a number of factors

AEPPP provides expert consultation services to assist congregations in sorting through the complex issues that emerge in the aftermath of misconduct. Working in conjunction with congregational leaders, an intervention and disclosure process is designed that will facilitate healing.


UNDERSTANDING VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS

As a church leader or member it may be difficult to understand why a woman who becomes sexually involved with a minister is a victim of professional misconduct and not simply a participant in an affair . The most important part of the answer is in understanding that clergy have a professional and fiduciary responsibility for those they serve. That fiduciary responsibility does NOT include becoming sexually involved.

People (this segment refers to adults who are exploited) who become victims of clergy sexual exploitation come from all walks of life, educational background, profession and socioeconomic status. Most often it is women who are victimized by men, but there are instances where women clergy are the offenders. There are also instances of exploitation that involve men exploiting men and women exploiting women. What all have in common, however, is that they have experienced exploitation by someone in a position of religious authority, someone whom they trusted.

Exploitation often begins in the context of pastoral counseling. A parishioner seeks assistance from the pastor for difficulties with a child or aging parent, work related concerns, marital problems or a spiritual concern. Exploitation may also begin in the context of leadership when lay leaders and clergy form strong alliances that occasion boundary violation. There are a host of other scenarios that can become the occasion for exploitation, but in each and every one the boundary violation is the responsibility of the clergy person.

Victim/survivors need to be heard, believed and not blamed for what happened. They need and want to hear that it is not their fault and the minister will be held accountable. In addition, they seek assurance from the church and/or the denomination, that the minister will not be "automatically" restored to ministry. They often want to remain in the church as a member of the community without judgement and scorn from others. Victim/survivors seek assistance with the cost for therapy and spiritual direction as a concrete expression of justice and a symbol that congregations are supportive of their healing.

To learn more about advocacy and support for survivors click here

For more information, please contact us.


TRAINING FOR LAY LEADERS

Church presidents and moderators, cabinet, executive board and vestry members, personnel committees, Pastoral Relations Committees, etc. need to know how to respond in the event that the pastor engages in unethical conduct.

AEPPP’s workshops for Lay Leaders will help you:

For more information, please contact us.