In this week’s episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell breaks down one of the most misunderstood and overlooked aspects of child protection in faith communities: grooming and manipulation tactics. These behaviors are often subtle, strategic, and wrapped in kindness, spirituality, or trust — which is exactly why they go unnoticed until harm has already occurred. Building on last week’s episode about preventing child sexual abuse in the church, Keana explains what grooming is, what manipulation is, how they differ, and how they work together to create access, secrecy, and control. Drawing from leading psychologists such as Dr. Anna Salter, Dr. David Finkelhor, Dr. Diane Langberg, and Dr. Wade Mullen, this episode offers a clear, research‑based understanding of how predators operate — especially in faith‑based environments. Listeners will learn how to recognize red flags, how adults can be groomed without realizing it, what grooming and manipulation look like inside a church setting, and how these tactics impact victims emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Keana also provides guidance on how to respond if a child discloses abuse or if you suspect something is happening — with a strong emphasis on following state law and reporting immediately to the proper legal authorities. This episode is gentle, educational, and empowering — offering clarity without fear and equipping believers to protect children with wisdom, courage, and compassion. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover: 🔹 Recap of Last Week’s Episode Why prevention must be proactiveHow churches unintentionally create vulnerabilityThe importance of accountability, transparency, and child‑centered policies🔹 What Grooming Is Research‑based definitionInsights from Dr. Anna Salter, Dr. David Finkelhor, and Dr. Diane LangbergHow grooming targets both children and adultsWhy grooming is a process, not a single event🔹 What Manipulation Is Definition and examplesHow manipulation distorts perception and protects the abuserFaith‑based insights from Dr. Diane Langberg and Dr. Wade MullenHow spiritual language can be misused to silence victims🔹 Grooming vs. Manipulation How they differHow they work togetherWhy understanding both is essential for prevention🔹 Red Flags to Watch For Grooming red flagsManipulation red flagsWarning signs in adults who may be unknowingly groomed🔹 How Adults Can Be Groomed Charm, service, and spiritual languageHow predators build trust in faith communitiesWhy adults often overlook or dismiss red flags🔹 What This Looks Like in a Church Environment Non‑graphic, realistic examplesHow abusers use ministry roles, mentorship, and authorityHow churches can unintentionally protect abusers🔹 Effects on Victims Emotional, psychological, and spiritual impactInsights from trauma experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. LangbergWhy victims struggle with trust, faith, and identity🔹 How to Respond to Disclosure or Suspicion Believe the childStay calmAvoid leading questionsFollow state law and report immediately to the proper legal authoritiesWhy churches must not investigate internally ✨ Key Takeaway Grooming and manipulation thrive in silence, confusion, and misplaced trust. Recognizing these tactics is one of the most powerful ways we can protect children, support survivors, and create churches that reflect the heart of God — a God who defends the vulnerable and stands with the oppressed. ✨ Next Week’s Episode Join us next week as we talk about how to support victims of child sexual abuse — emotionally, spiritually, and practically. ✨ Connect & Share If this episode helped you, share it with your church leaders, parents, caregivers, and anyone committed to protecting children. Follow the podcast for more faith‑centered conversations on safety, healing, and truth. 📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose https://keanawmitchell.com 📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email paperanthementertainment@gmail.com 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!!
