THE THREAT
In today’s world, sexualized images are everywhere. We are all exposed to these images on a regular basis.
None of us are meant to fight this alone. We are all in need of a proper defense strategy that maintains our purity and keeps us from acting on sexual temptations
The cost of not having a defense strategy to these images are great. Pornography does not just threaten the well being of individuals, it threatens the strength of our relationships, families, and our communities.
And the church is not immune to these threats.
56%
of divorce cases
involved one party
having “an obsessive
interest in pornographic
websites.”
57%
of pastors admit
they have struggled
with pornography.
64%
of youth pastors
admit they have
struggled with
pornography.
71%
of young adults
self-report seeing
pornography at
least once per month.
27%
of young adults
(25-30) said they
first viewed pornography
before puberty.
INTRODUCING BEFORE IT BEGINS
The Missionary Church is excited to announce that it is partnering with Before it Begins to address the threat of pornography in our churches.
Before It Begins is an independent ministry that promotes purity within churches by equipping leaders to protect and restore the church from pornography “before it begins” to destroy the ones we love.
Watch this short video from President Steve Jones. In the video, Steve introduces the exciting new partnership between MCUSA and Before It Begins and also urges all Missionary Church pastors to address pornography in the church by utilizing Before It Begins free services.
PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
FOR ALL PASTORS
Before It Begins Preventative Services are designed to equip and safeguard everyone in the church to effectively defend against the threat of pornography before it begins.
As leaders, we can not neglect the threat of pornography in our churches. The best strategy is to proactively protect ourselves and our leaders against this threat “before it begins”.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
Specialized seminars and discipleship programs for your church
Information on how to partner with Before it Begins to implement preventative measures in your church including:
- Educational seminars for parents, young adults, spouses, women, and other specific groups
- Training programs to equip church members to coach and disciple others towards purity
- Implementation of purity support groups
- Implementing custom programs using Before It Begins principles and resources into your church life and existing discipling/mentoring programs
Access to personal advocates
Pastors will have confidential access to advocates that can help develop personal preventative action plans and offer accountability and other support.
Digital Library
Access to a selection of the best resources to educate and equip the church to respond to the threat of pornography.
RESTORATIVE SERVICES
FOR PASTORS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
A letter from President Steve Jones:
“As a denomination with over 500 churches nationwide, we understand that some of our pastors may already be struggling with pornography. We recognize that these pastors are in a difficult place. To pastors, it can seem as if they have no place to turn for help without losing their positions of ministry and their means of supporting their families.
But if these sins are left in the dark they are more likely to grow into something bigger. We have already experienced cases where the pastor‘s offense has become public, resulting in devastating consequences for the entire church and the integrity of our witness to the world.
If you are a pastor already struggling with pornography, we want you to know that it’s not too late for you. God wants you to find the freedom that you long to experience.
The Missionary Church is committed to your restoration. Our national leadership team and your regional directors have approved and endorsed Before it Begins to be our official (and independent) partner to help restore pastors to purity.
Before it Begins Restorative Services offer safe and confidential access to counseling and other support. If you are struggling with pornography in any way, I strongly encourage you we implore you to contact Before it Begins to learn about how they can help. Their services are completely confidential and independent from the Missionary Church. We know that people would not reach out for help of this type unless they were certain that their identity would be kept secret. For this reason, you can be confident that Before it Begins will never share your identity with anyone within the Missionary Church. We have made that a condition of our participation with them. You have my word.”
SERVICES INCLUDE:
Anonymous Helpline
A completely anonymous, confidential phone number for pastors to share their challenges and receive hope-filled, practical advice and immediate access to helpful services like specialized counseling.
Counseling Services
Completely confidential access to counselors that specialize in sex and addiction therapy.
HOW TO ACCESS BEFORE IT BEGINS SERVICES
The official and independent beforeitbegins.org website is under construction and is expected to be live soon. However, it should be understood that Before It Begins is not an online ministry, it is a ministry of RELATIONSHIP. Before It Begins believes that true freedom, prevention, and restoration comes only from relationship, not a website. Therefore, Before It Begins services are designed to be accessed by pastors who proactively reach out to Before It Begins (via email, phone, or text) and inquire about details for additional resources and support.
WHO SHOULD CONTACT BEFORE IT BEGINS
FOR EVERYONE
Pastors interested in learning more about Before It Begins seminars and discipleship programs for your church.
Pastors who want more information on the best online resources to educate and equip the church to respond to the threat of pornography. Note: A brief list of resources is provided at the bottom of this webpage
Pastors who want more information about the Advocate Program (confidential personal support and accountability)
FOR PASTORS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
For those pastors who are already struggling. . . who want help, but just do not know where to safely go. . . we implore you to call Before It Begins. Here is what you can expect:
- You will not be required to give you name or location
- We will listen with understanding to your situation
- We will recommend the personal care program that is best for you (access to personal and confidential advocate and counseling, if necessary)
You are not alone. You are not without hope.
CALL TO ACTION
Contact Before It Begins
We encourage all pastors to take advantage of the free resources available to you and your church. The health of our church family depends on our leaders taking a proactive approach to the threat of pornography.
All Before it Begins programs are 100% confidential and free for pastors
PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER GIVING TO BEFORE IT BEGINS
MCUSA has made a strategic and financial commitment to bring the Before It Begins Initiative to the Missionary Church. However, the ongoing sustainability of this important initiative will be dependent on financial donations from Missionary Church regions, districts, local churches, and individuals. Would you prayerfully consider giving to this important initiative? Any funds contributed from within the Missionary Church will go towards program administration, advocates, counselors, and other expenses that will be used exclusively for Missionary Church leaders. At your request, Before It Begins is able to present program details to your region, district, or local church.
DIGITAL RESOURCE LIBRARY
BOOKS
Every Man’s Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time by Stephen Arterburn
Clean: A Proven Plan for Men Committed to Sexual Integrity by Douglas Weiss
True Sexual Morality by Daniel Heimback
Addiction and Virtue by Ken Dunnington
Making All Things New by David Powlison
Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and Sexuality by Nancy Pearcey
Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing by Jay Stringer
Redeeming Sex by Debra Hirsch
How and When to Tell Your Kids about Sex: A Lifelong Approach to Shaping Your Child’s Sexual Character by Stan Jones and Brenna Jones
The Utter Relief of Holiness by John Eldridge
Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction by Mark Blazer
GREAT WEBSITES FOR INFORMATION ON PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION
https://www.rewardfoundation.org/
https://endsexualexploitation.org/
https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/
ACCOUNTABLILITY SOFTWARE