Resources Abound
Jesus Christ is our source.
Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor
Needs to Know
By Reverend Al Miles
The book title is self-explanatory.
Violence in Families: What Every Christian
Needs to Know
By Reverend Al Miles
This is an excellent book for discipleship or small group study. At the
end of each chapter are questions for discussion, where you can reflect on
your own actions, and the actions of your church. The book explains the hidden
dynamics of various types of abuse. It also confronts scripture, that is often
taken out of context by those who are abusive, and used by the abuser to
justify their abusive behavior. In addition, the book list warning signs that
show your teen may be in an abusive
relationship and gives instruction on how to help. Reverend Al Miles explains ways to help both victims, and
those who are abusive.
No Place for Abuse
By Katherine Clark-Kroeger
This is a good resource for pastors and youth pastors. The book has sample
sermons on domestic violence, and a check sheet for teens to use in looking at
their own relationships. This book also provides steps that can be taken if their relationship is
abusive, or if they have a friend who is being abused.
Boundaries Video Curriculum
By Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
This book use as an 8-week support group program that helps individuals develop healthy,
Biblically based boundaries. It also helps people who say yes when they mean no,
victims of abuse, people who have an alcoholic or drug addicted family
member, and those who are abusive. (Note couples whose relationship is
verbally, emotionally, physically, and/or sexually abusive should not
attend the Boundaries class together. If only one class is offered at a
time, one spouse should wait and take the class the next-time it is
offered, or at another location.)
The
troubledwith Web site is from Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family, and contains a lot of helpful information on abuse, troubled
relationships, and many other problems that individuals and families may
be troubled with. (Used by permission of Focus on the Family.)
Also, the
Focus Ministries website has a
wealth of information on helping those in abusive relationships. It has resources for pastors, and
for those starting support groups.
The above books can be bought at your local bookstore, or at online bookstores.