All suffering is loss, but God leaves nothing unused in His plans. We help women see His redemptive thread throughout their circumstances and then look for opportunities to join with God in His transforming work.
Shepherding, Safety, and Spiritual Care Questionnaire
Spiritual, Emotional, and Psychological Abuse Questionnaire
Dr. Ann Maree Goudzwaard
Founder and Executive Director of Help[H]er.
Season 7 Episode 3 - Expert Contributor Dr. Lisa Oakley
Resources for Further Exploration
Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse — Lisa Oakley & Justin Humphreys
Explores what spiritual abuse is, how it develops within Christian environments, its impact on victims, and how churches can respond more safely.
Breaking the Silence on Spiritual Abuse — Lisa Oakley & Kathryn Kinmond
Research examining experiences of spiritual abuse within Christian communities and the consequences for those harmed.
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse — David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen
A foundational resource on unhealthy spiritual authority and spiritually abusive systems.
Something’s Not Right — Wade Mullen
Examines manipulative patterns and institutional responses that can obscure abuse and discredit those who report it.
Need Support?
If this conversation stirred something for you, you do not have to navigate it alone.
Help[H]er provides trauma-specialized advocacy, education, and navigation for women in crisis in the church, guiding them toward safety, agency, and restored dignity.
Learn more or connect with Help[H]er at HelpHer.help.
About Safe to Hope
Safe to Hope creates space for women to tell their stories of suffering and loss with care, dignity, and honesty. Nothing in our storyteller conversations is intended to pressure forgiveness, reconciliation, or closure. Our aim is to listen with care and honor the dignity of each woman’s experience.
Season 7 Episode 2 - Get in Line
Resources Related to This Story
Something’s Not Right — Wade Mullen
Helpful for recognizing patterns of silencing, image management, institutional protection, and the misuse of power.
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse — David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen
Explores how spiritual authority and religious systems can become coercive or harmful.
Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse — Lisa Oakley & Justin Humphreys
Provides language for understanding spiritual abuse and its effects on those who experience it.
Scripture referenced regarding civil authority and legal protections:
Acts 16:37;
Acts 22:25–29;
Acts 25:10–11
Need Support?
If this conversation stirred something for you, you do not have to navigate it alone.
Help[H]er provides trauma-specialized advocacy, education, and navigation for women in crisis in the church, guiding them toward safety, agency, and restored dignity.
Learn more or connect with Help[H]er at HelpHer.help.
About Safe to Hope
Safe to Hope creates space for women to tell their stories of suffering and loss with care, dignity, and honesty. Nothing in our storyteller conversations is intended to pressure forgiveness, reconciliation, or closure. Our aim is to listen with care and honor the dignity of each woman’s experience.
Season 7 Episode 1
Resources for Further Exploration
Something’s Not Right — Wade Mullen
Examines the patterns and tactics used by individuals and institutions to deceive, manipulate, silence, and protect an image when harm occurs.
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse — David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen
A foundational resource for recognizing spiritually abusive systems and understanding how religious authority can be misused.
Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse — Lisa Oakley & Justin Humphreys
Explores spiritual abuse, its impact, and pathways toward safer and healthier Christian communities.
Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire
A research-based resource for understanding experiences of institutional betrayal.
The Wheel of Reality Bending Phrases
Need Support?
If this conversation stirred something for you, you do not have to navigate it alone.
Help[H]er provides trauma-specialized advocacy, education, and navigation for women in crisis in the church, guiding them toward safety, agency, and restored dignity.
Learn more or connect with Help[H]er at HelpHer.help.
About Safe to Hope
Safe to Hope creates space for women to tell their stories of suffering and loss with care, dignity, and honesty. Nothing in our storyteller conversations is intended to pressure forgiveness, reconciliation, or closure. Our aim is to listen with care and honor the dignity of each woman’s experience.
Season 6 Episode 17
SHOW NOTES:
Dr Allender resources
- The Wounded Heart
- The Healing Path
- To Be Told
- God Loves Sex
- Intimate Allies
- The Cry of the Soul,
- Bold Love
- Bold Purpose
- Redeeming Heartache
- The Deep-Rooted Marriage
