Presentation: Recovering from spiritual abuse
Out of the Pit of Despair
God graciously offers refuge and renewal amidst the trauma and depression often experienced following spiritual abuse. This presentation, created by individuals who are themselves spiritual abuse survivors, lays out the struggle a survivor of spiritual abuse sufferers including: devaluation, grief, loneliness and spiritual doubts; offers insights and spiritual practices for journeying with God on this path of long-suffering and slow recovery; and gives practical guidance for those walking alongside survivors.
HOW WE SEE IT
Spiritual abuse is real.
Spiritual abuse is devastating.
Tending the stories and experiences of those who have suffered spiritual abuse is our
HOLY WORK.
Spiritual abuse occurs when spiritual authority is used to intentionally cause harm to those whom they are intended to lead. Coercion, manipulation, and control are wielded as weapons to uplift the abuser all the while undermining and destroying the abused and their sense of spiritual worth. — Jill
When persons in positions of spiritual authority and respect demand specific behavior of you in order for you to keep relationship with them, the church and with God, it is spiritual abuse. — Michelle
Current Offerings
How can we help you?*
Spiritual abuse can be extremely confusing, isolating and discouraging. We believe that validation and education are the two most important components to spiritual abuse recovery and healing. We desire to LISTEN, extend compassion, and share our knowledge and educational resources with anyone who has suffered this type of abuse or wants to proactively raise awareness.*
*PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The care and information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment of abuse, trauma or depression.
listening with empathy
Share your story of spiritual abuse with us or book one-on-one listening with a trained spiritual director
providing resources
Information on spiritual abuse, abuse of power, systems of abuse, healing practices and forgiveness
Speaking & consulting
Guidance and information on how to identify spiritual abuse and abusers, the systems they create and how to support spiritual abuse survivors
leading workshops
Topics include spiritual abuse education, spiritual abuse recovery and creative healing practices
here to assist you on your healing journey
YOUR CARING COMPANIONS & GUIDES
Jill Hofer – spiritual director
Healing through
Listening
I believe everyone deserves and needs to have their story heard and held with care and compassion, all the while listening and being attentive to the movement of God and Spirit.
I recently completed and received certification as a Spiritual Director from Sioux Falls Seminary. I also hold a Certificate of Theological Studies. I currently lead a small house church of Anabaptist-Mennonite believers who seek to understand God’s movement in their own lives.
Michelle L Hofer – visual artist
Healing through
Beauty & Art
I believe beauty and art are essential to the healing journey. These have the potential to cultivate within us deep listening and transformation. Art and beauty can open us to ourselves (who we were created and called to be) and can invite us to begin a conversation with God.
I work as a commission artist out of my home studio, Birch Tree Studio. While much of my artwork rises out of the ancient tradition of Christian icon art, I have found a way of creating that is playful and freeing…