The Grace Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church
The Grace Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church
Podcast Description
The GRACE Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church explores the complex and often hidden dynamics of abuse and power within the church. Join the GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment) team as we tackle tough questions and interview leading experts, journalists, and thinkers to dissect and navigate systemic issues and recurring patterns of harm in Christian contexts.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of abuse, power dynamics, and systemic issues within religious environments, with episodes examining topics like the misuse of power in faith settings and strategies for escaping toxic church systems. For example, discussions with experts like Diane Langberg and Scot McKnight highlight the challenges faced by individuals within harmful church cultures.

The GRACE Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church explores the complex and often hidden dynamics of abuse and power within the church. Join the GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment) team as we tackle tough questions and interview leading experts, journalists, and thinkers to dissect and navigate systemic issues and recurring patterns of harm in Christian contexts.
Guest: Laura Thien
That's a wrap! In the final episode of Season 1, we speak with the new GRACE Executive Director, Laura Thien, about her journey in abuse and trauma work and what she sees coming for GRACE in 2026. Plus, Robert, Zane, Hannah, and Laura talk about the tension of holding hope and accountability for the Church, resilience in the face of trauma, and the limited edition Selena Gomez Oreos.
Resources Mentioned:
- GRACE Live Conversation on Lament
- The Safe Church Training Center: netgrace.org/training-center
If you enjoy the GRACE Awakening please consider subscribing and donating at Netgrace.org/donate
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and may not represent the views of GRACE as an organization. Similarly, the presence of a guest on the podcast does not constitute an endorsement of them, their work, or any organization they represent. This podcast is also not a forum for GRACE to discuss past, present, or future investigations or engagements but rather to draw out broader themes, principles, and research around abuse in faith contexts.

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