The Church & Porn: Not Just A Men's Issue Anymore
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As issues of sexuality are addressed within the news headlines daily, the church can no longer afford to be silent. Sadly, many are aware of the moral decline among humanity, and they choose to look away.
Pornography, extra-marital affairs, and infidelity are now being considered acceptable, and are even encouraged by the world. If the church speaks up against these issues, they are being labeled as hypocrites. But one cannot afford to continue to have a passive response!
Related Article: Record Number of Americans Think Porn is ‘Morally Acceptable’
Passivity
As. Dr. Ted Roberts shares in the Conquer Series,
“There’s no way we can have revival in the church’s present condition. God would have to repent to give us revival. He’s not going to do that. He’s gonna ask the church to deal with this, or we will become irrelevant.”
Related Article: Why Revival May Not Be Possible...
As Facts and Trends reported in 2018, between 6,000 and 10,000 churches throughout the United States close their doors annually. This statistic shows two things:
- On average, a minimum of 100 churches close their doors weekly.
- Sadly, the church is becoming irrelevant at a time when the world needs the church the most.
Reviving The Church
One of the best ways to grow a church is to become relevant. That doesn’t mean adapting the truth of the Gospel, it means returning to it.
Men and women need to know that their secret struggles are not the end all. As individuals learn to view the church as a hospital instead of an experience, they will feel safe to seek out healing for their mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Think of a patient who requires heart surgery. The surgery is the main, life-saving event. The rehabilitation process afterward is just as crucial to complete healing.
Coming to Christ is the surgery; it’s where we find forgiveness. But entering into a process of growing in the Lord is sanctification. This ongoing journey helps us to experience God’s love, while allowing our hearts and minds to be transformed. It’s the healing process that sets one free from the continuous taunting of a shattered past.
A huge problem in the church today is pornography and sexual addiction. Yet most pastors refuse to approach the subject. Studies through the years have found some very alarming statistics in regards to both men and women.
Related Article: 15 Mind-Blowing Statistics About Pornography And The Church
By The Numbers: Men
The Barna Group conducted surveys in both 2014 and 2016. Here is what they found:
- 63% of 18-30 year olds view pornography several times per week
- 77% of 31-49 year olds have looked at porn while at work in the past 3 months
- 35% had an extramarital affair
By The Numbers: Women
The same survey mentioned above shared that this is not just a man’s problem anymore.
- 76% of women aged 18-30 admitted to watching porn at least once per month
- 21% of women in that same age range view pornography several times per week
- 25% of married women watch porn at least once per month
In 2003, 34% of the women signed up to receive the Today’s Christian Woman’s online newsletter admitted that they purposefully seek out internet pornography.
Covenant Eyes and the Barna Group reported that only 13% of self-identified Christian women say they never watch porn.
Related Article: How Can I Break Free From Porn?
Solutions
In their report, The Porn Phenomenon, the Barna Group reports that only 7% of churches have a program in place to help those struggling with pornography.
Fortunately, one small group study has taken the guesswork out of the best approach to tackle these tough topics.
Though created initially for men, the Conquer Series has become a leading study for both men and women. Jam-packed with biblical principles, practical tools, scientific evidence, and testimonials, individuals will learn that they can become a conqueror through Christ.
As you watch each video, you’ll learn the science behind the brain and why trying harder does not work. You’ll work through exercises that will get to the root of your struggle, instead of solely focusing on the symptom. And most importantly, you’ll rediscover your God-given identity.
Related Article: Who You Say I Am
Important Advice
If a church wants to see its Conquer Group succeed, there are a few things that they must know.
1. It’s Not Enough For A Member Of The Congregation To Be Passionate About The Series
The senior pastor needs to be an active supporter of the program. Openly addressing sexual sin from the pulpit shows that the church is willing to take action.
2. Men And Women Should Remain In Separate Groups
Conversations could go in any direction. At any time, something may be triggered within an individual in the group. They need to be able to openly and honestly discuss their thoughts and what is grieving them.
3. Confidentiality Must Be Emphasized And Maintained
The focus is healing and recovery in Christ. These groups should not become a gossip session, and one should only talk about their own journey. In this atmosphere, people may disclose very personal things, such as abuse endured or the intensity of their struggle. This information should not leave the group. However, the leader(s) do need to make the attendees aware that they may be subject to their jurisdiction’s mandatory reporting laws.
4. It’s Not Enough To Just Watch The Conquer Series Videos
If the men and women in your groups want to experience true life change, they need to fully commit. An interactive journal is available on SoulRefiner.com to help one get the most out of the study. Filled with helpful tools and powerful information, the use of these items can completely change the course of one’s life.
5. Be Encouraged!
In the beginning, you may not have the number of people sign up that you had hoped for. This doesn’t mean that the program will be a failure. Instead, it could just be symptomatic of the fear that holds people back. As people in your church begin to find freedom and share their experiences, it will encourage others to step forward to attend. Don’t be afraid to make the Conquer Series an ongoing ministry in the church.
Related Article: How To Get Over Porn & Find Lasting Freedom
The Time Is Now
Someone struggling with sexual addiction is desperate to find freedom.
A heartbroken spouse is praying for peace, and wonders if their marriage can ever be restored. Parents who just discovered their teen’s struggle are battling feelings of inadequacy as they seek to find a solution that will help their son or daughter. Will you come alongside them, take their hand, and agree to walk out this journey to freedom together?
It’s important to recognize that people are perishing by the thousands as a result of rampant and undealt sexual sin. Make a choice to do something about it.
Sign up for a Premium Account on SoulRefiner.com and start a group today!