Sam Black - Healing the Church: Overcoming Pornography and Redefining Discipleship

Thinking Dad Podcast

"Pornography is undermining every ministry of the local church. From young to old, men and women are struggling." — Sam Black

Watch this full interview today, ONLY on @X!

Garritt Hampton and guest Sam Black, of Covenant Eyes, take on the critical issue of pornography within the church, discussing its impact on men, women, children, and even pastors and ministry leaders. With over 17 years of experience helping men overcome this addiction, Sam shares his journey, the power of accountability, and the tools available to combat this pervasive issue. Learn proactive parenting tips, and how to create safe spaces in church for honest discussions on this important topic.

🔖 Key Topics:
• The significance discipleship in recovery
• Creating accountability in church communities
• Addressing pornography's impact on children
• Tools and resources for combatting pornography addiction
• Support for ministry leaders facing personal struggles

Come Back November 18th for a Bonus Episode with Sam Black!

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Recommended Resources:

The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong about Pornography and How to Fix It, by Sam Black

Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds, by Kristen A. Jenson

Victory App from Covenant Eyes

The Porn Circuit: Understand Your Brain and Break Porn Habits

Your Brain on Porn: 5 Proven Ways Pornography Warps Your Mind and 3 Biblical Ways to Renew It

Podcast Recommendations:

Bob Lepine - Gospel-Centered Leadership at Home and In the Church

Homeschooling Resources:

🍿🍿🍿 Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE today!

Strings Attached: The True Cost of School Choice

Affordable Homeschooling: Educate with Excellence Without Breaking the Bank

Discussion Questions:

1. Encouraging Open Communication in the Church:

   • What are some practical steps that pastors and ministry leaders can take to encouraging open and candid conversations for addressing personal struggles within their church?

2. Role of Covenant Eyes and Technology:

   • How do tools like Covenant Eyes and its Victory app aid in the fight against pornography within both personal lives and church communities?

   • In what ways can technology be leveraged positively to support spiritual growth and accountability?

   • In what ways can technology be a hinderance to spiritual growth?

3. Parenting and Proactive Education:

   • What strategies can parents employ to educate their children about pornography from a young age without instilling shame or fear?

   • How can parents foster open communication with their children so that they feel comfortable addressing other tough issues?

4. Impact on Ministry Leaders:

   • What unique challenges do pastors and ministry leaders face in dealing with personal struggles such as pornography, and how can the church support them more effectively?

   • How should seminaries adapt their training to better address the personal and spiritual issues that future pastors may face?

5. Biblical Framework for Accountability:

   • How can the principles from James 5:16 about confessing sins to one another be integrated into the church’s approach to dealing with pornography addiction?

   • In what ways does Galatians 6 guide the church in gently correcting and restoring individuals struggling with sexual sin?

6. Community, Accountability, and Discipleship:

   • What role do community, fellowship, discipleship, and accountability play in promoting lasting true conversion and freedom from the bondage of sin?

7. Historical vs. Modern Access to Pornography:

   • How has the shift from limited access to pornography (e.g., magazines) to its current digital ubiquity changed the landscape for parents and church leaders?

   • What are the increased risks associated with the more explicit and violent content of today’s pornography, especially in the context of children's development?

8. Addressing Shame and Perfectionism:

   • How does a cycle of shame and perfectionism manifest in the behaviors of those struggling with pornography, and what are effective strategies for breaking this cycle?

9. Engaging the Whole Church:

   • With statistics indicating high levels of pornography use among church members and leaders, what comprehensive approaches can churches take to address this issue effectively?

   • How can the church ensure that it doesn’t "shoot its wounded" but instead offers deep discipleship, genuine support, and effective tools to those who are struggling?

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