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39.How to Forgive Church Hurt Without Losing Your Faith
Manage episode 486755905 series 3601582
What do you do when the Church—the place meant for safety and healing—becomes the source of deep hurt? In this honest conversation, Pastor Mark Cress joins us to explore how to navigate church conflict, extend forgiveness, set healthy boundaries, and move toward healing.
We talk about:
- The difference between personal and systemic church hurt
- Why isolation may feel safe but stalls healing
- Why boundaries are bibical
- How to know when to stay or go
- What real forgiveness looks like (and why it’s not the same as trust)
- What healing looks like after trust is broken
- How to recognize a healthy Christian community
You’ll also hear Mark’s powerful story of a time when church relationships were strained—and how God led him through healing and restoration, along with the faith lessons that came through it.
Key Scripture References:
John 16:33, Matthew 6:12, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Luke 23:34, Psalms
Links & Resources:
- Pastor Mark’s Church: https://crossroad.live
- Full blog + free resources: https://gingerharrington.com/
- Related Episode + free printable resource on Forgiveness: https://gingerharrington.com/forgiving-sets-you-free/
🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s been hurt by the church.
Habits of Hope Podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.
- Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life Collection
- Get Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)
- Sign up for the beautiful Habits of Hope mini-devotional
- Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/
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- Larissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/
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- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick
Chapters
1. Welcome & Introductions (00:00:00)
2. What is Church Hurt? (00:01:29)
3. The Emotional Weight of Betrayal (00:04:12)
4. The Danger of Isolation (00:05:50)
5. Should I Stay or Should I Leave? (00:07:00)
6. Forgiveness vs Trust (00:11:45)
7. Signs It's Time to Leave a Church (00:12:30)
8. What Forgiveness Looks Like Biblically (00:13:30)
9. The Value of Boundaries (00:16:25)
10. Navigating Reconciliation (00:20:15)
11. Words of Hope for the Wounded (00:28:30)
12. Why It's Still Worth It (00:30:00)
13. What to Look for in a Healthy Church (00:35:00)
14. Don't Confuse God with People (00:37:45)
40 episodes
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