The Grace Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church

Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment (GRACE)
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  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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.

  1. FEB 9

    Ep 16. SPECIAL Truth, Bias, & Independent Investigations: Common Questions About GRACE Investigations

    Guests: Laura Thien & Wade Mullen. In this special release podcast, Robert sits down with GRACE Executive Director Laura Thien and Executive Editor Wade Mullen to pull back the curtain on our Independent Investigations. Tune in to learn how the GRACE team handles bias, what it means to be trauma-informed, and common questions we get asked by churches and indviduals about the investigative process. Resources Mentioned: The Safe Church Training Center: ⁠netgrace.org/training-centerGRACE Independent Investigations: netgrace.org/independent-investigations 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.

    42 min

  2. JAN 1

    Ep 15. Turning the Page: Whats Next for GRACE

    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 LamentThe 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.

    38 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Ep 14. It’s Not An Affair: Let’s Talk Adult CSA

    Guests: Amy Stier and Emily Petrie In this episode, Robert has attorneys Amy Stier and Emily Petrie back to recap a GRACE Live Conversation they had over the summer on adult clergy sexual abuse and answer the many questions you asked during the live webinar. You won't want to miss it! Resources Mentioned: Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church by Diane LangbergResearch by Dr. Diana GarlandConsultations with GRACEIf 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.

    1h 20m

  4. 12/04/2025

    Ep 13. Silence is Deadly: Image Management & The 4 Walls of Defense

    Guest: Wade Mullen. In this episode, we have a NEW interview with author and GRACE Editor in Chief of Institutional Response, Wade Mullen. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as we talk with Wade about image management, the slippery slope of self-promotion, and the 4 walls of defense used by institutions and offenders when confronted with allegations of abuse/misconduct. Plus, why Wade hates acronyms but uses them anyway, and the antidote to the 4 walls of defense. Resources Mentioned: Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse—And Freeing Yourself Its Power by Wade Mullen.⁠The Weaponization of Perceptions: Part I⁠ by Wade Mullen. To support the ongoing work of GRACE, visit 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.

    1 hr

  5. 11/20/2025

    Ep 12. SPECIAL: Theological Engagement on Child Abuse & the ELCA's Special Message on Child Protection

    Guest: Victor Vieth. In this special release podcast, Robert speaks with GRACE Board Member and Chief Program Officer for Education & Research for Zero Abuse Project, Victor Vieth, live at the 16th annual Virginia Crimes Against Children Conference. Victor and Robert discuss what the Bible has to say about corporal punishment, the necessity of theological engagement on the issue of child abuse, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's (ELCA) groundbreaking social message on child protection that was adopted in November of 2025. And as an added bonus, hear about Victor's encounter with Johnny Cash. Resources Mentioned: ELCA Social Message on Child ProtectionOn This Rock by Victor Vieth Here We Stand: A Lutheran Response to Child Abuse edited by Craig Nessan and Victor Vieth 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.

    56 min

  6. 11/13/2025

    Ep 11. Silence is Deadly: How Trey's Law is Taking the Muzzle Off the Truth

    Guest: Elizabeth Phillips. In this NEW interview, we discuss "taking the muzzle off the truth" with guest Elizabeth Phillips, the primary advocate behind Trey's Law in Texas. Join Robert, Zane, and GRACE Assistant Director, Emily Petrie, as we talk with Elizabeth about her brother's story and how it inspired the legislation that is rewriting the use of NDA's in child abuse cases. Plus, some ponderings about why Superman works a 9-5, if cats really are evil, and what it means to find hope in dark places. Resources Mentioned: ⁠Treyslaw.comNDAfree.org LiftOurVoices.org Cantbuymysilence.com Note: This interview originally took place in August of 2025 and some legislation or statistics may have changed since its recording. 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.

    1h 3m

  7. 10/30/2025

    Ep 10. Silence is Deadly: NDAs and the Church

    Guests: Scot McKnight & Boz Tchividjian. Interviewer: Maureen Garcia. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as they break down a previous GRACE Live Conversation with author and professor Scot McKnight and attorney Boz Tchividjian about the insidious use of nondisclosure agreements within churches to silence abuse survivors. Plus, how a Dr. Who villain relates to NDAs, the role of the wider-church community in stopping the normalization of confidentiality clauses, and the importance of wielding Scripture with caution.        Resources Mentioned: GRACE Live ConversationThe Weaponization of Perceptions: Part I by Wade Mullen. 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.

    1 hr

  8. 09/18/2025

    Ep 9. Trauma-Informed Faith: The Intersection of Faith and Community Care in Sexual Exploitation Recovery

    Guest: Dr. Jeanne Allert. In this episode, we have a NEW interview with psychologist, speaker, author, and founder of the Institute of Survivor Care, Dr. Jeanne Allert. Join Robert, Hannah, and Zane as we talk with Dr. Allert about sexual exploitation recovery, the difference between raising awareness and "trauma drama / trauma voyeurism," and what it means to walk alongside survivors in their healing process. Plus, in our intro/outro discussion, Robert and Hannah talk about the most underrated frameworks and what trauma-informed principles look like when practically applied in a ministry setting. Resources Mentioned: The Institute of Survivor CareThe Polaris Project Institute of Survivor Care Study: Survivor Perspectives on Faith-Based PracticesInstitute of Survivor Care: The Triune Care ModelThe National Landscape Shelter MapNational Christian Conference on Sexual ExploitationToward a More Trauma-Informed Church by Pete SingerSuffering and Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Heals by Diane Langberg 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.

    1h 5m
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About

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.

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