April 9, 2026

Becoming a Refuge: Who Is It For?

It’s a Sunday morning.

Hannah walks into church and sits down next to Sarah, her Bible study friend of eight years. During the singing, she notices tears on Sarah’s face. They are not new, but they seem more raw than usual. When the service concludes, Sarah remains seated. As Hannah puts an arm around her, Sarah pulls away. 

“Mike is waiting for me . . . I need to go.”

This teaching series is for friends.

A few months later, a women’s ministry leader meets Sarah for coffee. Sarah has been missing more gatherings, has mentioned financial stress, and seems increasingly exhausted. When the leader checks in, Sarah says, “I feel like I’m walking on eggshells all the time. I’m overwhelmed. I don’t think I’m a very good spouse. Things at home have been really tense lately.”

This teaching series is for ministry leaders.

A year later, Mike and Sarah sit in the pastor’s office. Sarah has shared with a few people that there has been ongoing fighting at home, and they have encouraged the couple to pursue counseling. Mike begins by listing the ways Sarah has failed to meet his expectations as a wife. Sarah says very little. She appears anxious, her attention drifting as the conversation unfolds.

This teaching series is for pastors.

The way each of these individuals responds carries significant weight. Sarah has offered small glimpses into her experience and is watching carefully to see how safe it is to say more.

Do they listen carefully, or move quickly to easy answers?

Do they take what she shares seriously, or unintentionally minimize it?

Do they ask thoughtful questions, or offer immediate advice?

The way we respond matters more than we often realize. Sarah has unknowingly been a victim of abuse for years, and she needs help. 

This teaching series is for churches.

Over the years, we have seen both the harm that can come from misunderstanding these situations and the good that can grow when churches are equipped to respond with wisdom and care. We believe the church is called to be a place where people are not alone in their suffering, but where they are instead met with thoughtful, wise, and compassionate support.

Learning to recognize signs of abuse and respond well in these moments takes time, training, and dependence on the Lord for strength. Becoming a Refuge is one way we seek to come alongside churches in that work. We invite you to learn more and purchase the series below.