Taking It Seriously: A Faith Leader's Guide to Domestic Violence - Paperback

by Geneece Goertzen (Author), Jay Kieve (Foreword by)

Domestic violence harms congregants and impacts our churches. Abuse affects millions across this nation and around the world including individuals in your own congregation. Informed by research, and verified by experience, this book provides practical guidance for pastors and lay leaders to faithfully address and respond to this crisis. The influence of pastoral care and congregational preparedness from the author's seminary education and community-practice social work lens is clearly evident. The chapters are well-researched, trauma-conscious, and survivor informed. The supplemental, unique, and comprehensive glossary of domestic violence terms crafted specifically for faith-based ministry sets this book apart. Prevention and intervention guidelines, along with valuable recommendations for interacting with victims and survivors, is the instructive content needed to propel faith leaders to action and improve the way domestic violence is handled within churches.

Author Biography

Geneece Goertzen is a survivor of more than two decades of domestic violence who now advocates for awareness at local, state, and national levels through leading seminars, collaborating with domestic violence organizations, and managing HopeRiseThrive.com. She is a certified spiritual director and was ordained to gospel ministry by Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Current projects include conducting research on resiliency in survivors while pursuing a PhD.