Church Purity Blog

Report on Church Purity weekend:

On Saturday, June 9^th, Mark and Debra Laaser came to Nampa Idaho to speak at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene on sexual purity in the church.  Two hundred people, including senior adults, parents and teens, singles, and married couples attended the all-day seminar.  We heard Mark and Deb Laaser tell their story about Mark’s addiction and recovery journey, and also about their present ministry to individuals and couples around the world who are dealing with sexual addiction.

Mark and Debra spoke eloquently about the root causes of sexual addiction and about how to get effective help.  Some of the latest research is in the area of brain-imaging, which visually shows the effects of sexual addiction on the human brain. 

For me, the most poignant time of the day was the question/answer time when I sifted through scores of anonymous questions to find the dozen that the Laasers had time to address.  My heart was saddened by six questions - all the same: “My husband is addicted to porn.  What can I do?”  I believe that there were probably others at the seminar who wanted to ask the same question, but were afraid to risk writing it down.  This just underscores the problem that exists in our churches today.  For these spouses my prayer is that they have the courage to confront and do whatever is necessary to intervene, and not just hope that the situation will get better. 

Results of the day were these: 1) the subject of sexual purity was discussed openly in small groups in a church setting!; 2) myths were dispelled, new research on brain-imaging and addiction was revealed; 3) Christian counselors from the area met with the Laasers in an open Q&A lunchtime meeting; 4) area resources for help with sexual addictions were made available; 5) many couples and individuals sought out Christian counselors and Celebrate Recovery groups for help with sexual addiction. Praise be to our Lord for bringing darkness into the light!

Mike

Note: any church interested in hosting a seminar like the one described above, please contact us at mike@churchpurity.com, or 208.466.3549.