Why Growing Up In Church Left You Addicted To Porn

It is quite possible that growing up in the church has left you addicted to porn. And if that is the case, you should know – you’re not alone.

Not even close.

Some context for me personally…

-I grew up Christian
-Went to Christian school
-My dad was a pastor and I was a Sunday School superstar: Pageants, Hallowe'en alternative parties, Christmas plays, you name it. I even played organ for the choir at one point (hence the photo).

Church was life.

I heard two messages about sexuality loud and clear growing up in the church:

1) Sex is for marriages only
2) Porn = bad

The result of that messaging? A 15 year addiction to pornography.

It's borderline miraculous that I have been free for 6.5 years now and get to speak into the lives of thousands of people on a regular basis about this issue.

The real question is – how?

Well, let me start by saying it’s not an easy process.

For starters, I had to accept that the church was comprised of imperfect people worshiping a perfect God.

That meant I couldn't sit around and wait for the church to start talking openly about sexuality to pursue recovery.

So I sought resources to gain freedom, develop, and heal.

I hired professionals to help me in my journey.

And I pressed into God like never before.

And truthfully – without the church in the mix, I would have never recovered. It provided me...

-Safe people who unconditionally loved me
-Leaders that guided me through recovery
-A place to deepen my relationship with God (Huge part of lasting freedom)
-Regular messages of hope, inspiration, and healing

I know not everyone has that experience in church.
I know that many of you have not found anything useful for recovery in your local church.
I know that some of you have experienced abuse IN the church.

I am sorry this has been your experience. No one deserves that.

Let me take this moment to remind you that your church may not be able to provide EVERYTHING for recovery, but it can provide SOMETHING to help along the way (a caring friend, community, sense of belonging, inspiring messages, a safe space to encounter God, etc.)

If you're looking to get free of porn for good, regardless of your church experiences, I’ve opened up some time in my calendar this week to speak with recipients of this newsletter. Just click here to book a time.

Cheering you on,
Sathiya