The statistics are jarring. One in four women and one in six men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. But as sobering as the statistics are, they don’t begin to speak to the darkness and grief experienced by these victims. Because sexual assault causes physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain, victims need clear help, hope, and healing. Justin and Lindsey Holcomb’s acclaimed book, Rid of My Disgrace (Crossway Books, 2011), offered a new vision of how the grace of God can heal the broken and restore the disgraced.
When Rid of My Disgrace was published, it exposed many Christians to the horrors of sexual abuse and assault for the first time. It enabled many who have been victimized to finally seek help and hope within the framework of their faith. Rid of My Disgrace was a gift to these men and women and all the people who seek to come alongside them in their journey toward healing.
But Rid of My Disgrace forced us—as a church—to ask ourselves further questions. How can our churches become a safe place to talk about abuse? Can we participate somehow in the healing of the men and women among us who have been abused?
This brand new Rid of My Disgrace Small Group Discussion Guide answers our collective questions, bringing healing and hope into the safety of the faith community.
Download the free leader's material for additional helps in guiding your group through the process of facing, acknowledging, and beginning to heal from sexual trauma.
AUTHOR
Justin Holcomb, PhD, is an Episcopal priest and professor of theology and apologetics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. Justin is a City Network Leader for Made to Flourish. He serves on the boards of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments), Heart Support, and Leaders Collective. He has authored, coauthored, or edited more than fifteen books on numerous topics, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, biblical studies, and historical theology. He and his wife, Lindsey, coauthored the award-winning children’s book God Made All of Me and God Made Me in His Image.
Lindsey A. Holcomb, MPH, works at Samaritan Village, a safe home and therapeutic program for adult survivors of sex trafficking. She is a former case manager at a sexual assault crisis center and a domestic violence shelter and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Together, Lindsey and her husband, Justin, conduct a variety of training seminars on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child, sexual, and domestic abuse. She is also the award-winning coauthor of Is It My Fault?, Rid of My Disgrace, God Made All of Me, and God Made Me in His Image. The Holcombs live in Orlando and are parents of two daughters.
"There isn't a weekend that goes by where we aren't told a gut-wrenching tale of innocence stolen and left trying to help a man or woman make sense of their pain. I praise God for the gospel that can heal and restore and for the Holcombs who had the courage and wisdom to write this material for us."
Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network
"The Holcombs graciously and effectively offer the words, validation, insight, truth, and encouragement that anyone who has experienced sexual assault so desperately needs in order to heal. It's a welcome blend of shame-reducing questions and biblical truth that creates the space for us to see ourselves as we really are. I am thrilled to have such a personable and comprehensive tool to offer my clients, and I look forward to seeing the change and healing they will experience by walking through this guide."
Monica Taffinder, Cofounder and counselor, Grace Clinic Christian Counseling
"The world—and too often the church—encourages victims of sexual assault to do more. The Holcombs have good news: literally, a gospel that answers our disgrace with the grace of God in Christ. For anyone who suffers from abuse—as well as those who minister to them—Rid of My Disgrace Small Group Discussion Guide is powerful, healing medicine."
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; author, Calvin on the Christian Life
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Basyle Tchividjian
This study guide has been a great resource for small groups for leading women in finding healing from sexual assault and abuse. I have used this guide over 9 times on a college campus and it has been a great tool for women in the healing process. The book and the study guide both continually point to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the crucifixion and resurrection.
This study guide is so great. I have been using them for groups in a college campus for the past three years. The book and study guide are amazing and focus on the healing oower the gospel.
The Rid of My Disgrace study guide has been a fantastic tool for our group study to help women heal from sexual trauma. I have used the books and followed the suggested format outlined in them, which has brought healing to many students. I highly recommend the Book and Study guide to help women and men heal. The book's healing power is all from the gospel of Jesus Christ and how He meets us in our darkest places and brings healing.
I have used this group study guide several times and it has been an excellent tool for processing and healing from sexual abuse and assault. The small group questions and no cross talk technique provide a safe place for individuals to share how their lives have been impacted by the trauma personally, in relationships and with God. I have watched many young women start the study in fear and shame and leave healed and free in Christ. I highly recommend this book.