The GRACE Awakening: Reckoning with Abuse in the Church
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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Ep 12: SPECIAL: Theological Engagement on Child Abuse & the ELCA’s Special Message on Child Protection
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.
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:
On 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.
Ep 11: Silence is Deadly: How Trey's Law is Taking the Muzzle Off the Truth
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.
Guest: Elizabeth Phillips
In this all NEW interview, we discuss "taking the muzzel 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:
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.
Ep 10: Silence is Deadly: NDAs and the Church
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.
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:
• The 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.
Ep 9: Trauma-Informed Faith—The Intersection of Faith & Community Care in Sexual Exploitation Recovery
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.
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:
Institute of Survivor Care Study: Survivor Perspectives on Faith-Based Practices
Institute of Survivor Care: The Triune Care Model
Suffering and Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Heals by Diane Langberg
Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church by Pete Singer
If you find these conversations and resources helpful, please consider supporting GRACE!
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.
Ep 8: Trauma-Informed Faith—Collaboration & Mutuality
In this episode, Robert and Hannah continue their review of trauma-informed care principles through a GRACE Live Conversation with Cheryl Lerfald and Janet Magee on what collaboration looks like in direct advocacy, within systems, and across systems. Plus, find out which team members from famous fandoms Robert and Hannah think have the best and worst collaboration.
Guests: Cheryl Lerfald & Janet Magee.
Interviewer: Pete Singer.
In this episode, Robert and Hannah continue their review of trauma-informed care principles through a GRACE Live Conversation with Cheryl Lerfald and Janet Magee on what collaboration looks like in direct advocacy, within systems, and across systems. Plus, find out which team members from famous fandoms Robert and Hannah think have the best and worst collaboration.
Resources Mentioned:
GRACE Live Conversation with Cheryl Lerfald and Janet Magee
GRACE Consultations
Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church by Pete Singer
If you find these conversations and resources helpful, please consider supporting GRACE!
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.
Ep 7: Trauma-Informed Faith—Empowerment, Voice, & Choice Matter
Tune in as Robert, Zane, and Hannah digest a previous GRACE Live Conversation with Amy Stier and GRACE Board Member Leanne Mellado on the trauma-informed care principle of Empowerment, Voice, and Choice. Additionally, the team discusses bravery, vulnerability, and the cost of coming forward.
Guests: Amy Stier & Leanne Mellado.
Interviewer: Pete Singer.
Tune in as Robert, Zane, and Hannah digest a previous GRACE Live Conversation with Amy Stier and GRACE Board Member Leanne Mellado on the trauma-informed care principle of Empowerment, Voice, and Choice. Additionally, the team discusses bravery, vulnerability, and the cost of coming forward.
Resources Mentioned:
GRACE Live Conversation with Amy Stier & Leanne Mellado
GRACE Consultations
GRACE Survivor Resources Page
Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church by Pete Singer
If you find these conversations and resources helpful, please consider supporting GRACE!
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.
Ep 6: Trauma-Informed Faith—Creating Physical, Emotional, & Spiritual Safety
Join Robert, Hannah and Zane as they discuss a previous GRACE Live Conversation with David Pittman and past-Robert about the various dimensions of safety and how we can create safer environments and cultures in faith communities. Plus, in honor of Robert listening to himself in an old interview, we talk time-travel, practical safety measures, and wrestling through the fallout of spiritual harm.
Guests: David Pittman & Robert Peters.
Interviewer: Pete Singer.
Join Robert, Hannah and Zane as they discuss a previous GRACE Live Conversation with David Pittman and past-Robert about the various dimensions of safety and how we can create safer environments and cultures in faith communities. Plus, in honor of Robert listening to himself in an old interview, we talk time-travel, practical safety measures, and wrestling through the fallout of spiritual harm.
Resources Mentioned:
GRACE Live Conversation with David Pittman and Robert Peters
GRACE Consultations
Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church by Pete Singer
If you find these conversations and resources helpful, please consider supporting GRACE!
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.
Ep 5: Toxic Church—Is There Hope for the Institution of the Church?
In this episode, we have a NEW interview with speaker, author, and literature professor Dr. Karen Swallow Prior around post-institutionalism, the loss of virtue in leadership, and whether the failure of the Westernized Church spells out the death of Christianity or an opportunity for reformation. Plus, Robert, Hannah, and Zane discuss classic literature, the difference between a mob and a movement, and how a new Star Wars show demonstrates various dimensions of moral courage when it comes to staying or leaving a toxic system.
Guest: Karen Swallow Prior
In this episode, we have a NEW interview with speaker, author, and literature professor Dr. Karen Swallow Prior around post-institutionalism, the loss of virtue in leadership, and whether the failure of the Westernized Church spells out the death of Christianity or an opportunity for reformation. Plus, Robert, Hannah, and Zane discuss classic literature, the difference between a mob and a movement, and how a new Star Wars show demonstrates various dimensions of moral courage when it comes to staying or leaving a toxic system.
Resources Mentioned:
On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life Through Great Books by Karen Swallow Prior
You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful by Karen Swallow Prior
Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power by Wade Mullen
Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church by Pete Singer
If you find these conversations and resources helpful, please consider supporting GRACE!
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.