Resources from Sexual Abuse Investigation
“Addressing Our Past”
June 24, 2018
A letter from Robert written at the beginning of the investigation.
“Addressing Our Present & Future”
June 8, 2019
A letter from Robert written at the conclusion of the investigation.
GRACE Report
The Executive Summary and Recommendations from the investigation conducted by GRACE (“Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment”).
NOTE: At the request of the victims, we have chosen to redact any identifying details.
Sermon on Sexual Abuse
A sermon given on June 23, 2019 by Robert Cunningham, looking at Acts 2:40-41.
Sunday School Discussion
A discussion held during the Sunday School hour on June 23, 2019, led by Robert Cuningham
Prayers of the People
Written for the order of worship on June 23, 2019.
Unison: Our Gracious Savior, the source of all forgiveness and healing, we come before you in lament over the devastation of sexual abuse. So overwhelming is this epidemic of evil that in many ways we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. Hear the cries of the suffering, rebuke the sins of the perpetrators, forgive the apathy of the indifferent, and reveal to us our own complicity that we might repent. Hear our prayers Lord, for you alone are our only hope.
Leader: For the victims of abuse that took place in our church, those who have come forward and those who remain silent, we pray that you will restore what sin has laid waste. May our church’s confession and repentance be a balm to their suffering and hope in their darkness, and may they not hold the sins of this church against you, the Savior of this church. More than anything, may they discover the renewing grace of your gospel, which is destined to heal every wound and wipe every tear. Lord Jesus, friend of sinners…
People: Hear our prayers.
Leader: For the survivors of all forms of sexual abuse, particularly those among us this day, we pray for them in their suffering. May they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that their abuse is not their fault. May they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that their shame is a lie and that your hope is true. May they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that help is available and healing is possible. Give mercy to those who suffer and lead them to your cross and resurrection as their eternal comfort. Lord Jesus, friend of sinners…
People: Hear our prayers.
Leader: For the perpetrators of sexual abuse, we pray imprecatory prayers of justice. May they be exposed and rebuked by the severe mercy of your providence. May they reap the bitter fruit of their sins such that they find themselves broken and desperate. And may their brokenness yield repentance and trust in you who alone can make the foulest clean. In particular, we pray for the brokenness and repentance of Brad Waller for the devastation he has caused among us. Lord Jesus, friend of sinners…
People: Hear our prayers.
Leader: For the Church of Jesus Christ, we pray for your grace and guidance to lead us. May our communities be known as the safest place for survivors and most defended place from abusers, and may we apologize and repent where we have failed in this. In a world of sexual chaos, may we bear witness to your good and perfect design for human sexuality. May we be known as a counter culture to the sexual revolution built upon insatiable lust and exploitation. Lord Jesus, friend of sinners…
People: Hear our prayers.