054: Navigating Abuse in Faith Spaces with Pete Singer (Summit Sessions)
Jun 06, 2025
In this session, Pete shares how the investigative process works for all forms of abuse in spiritual contexts. He breaks down the process of how they investigate abuse reports and misconduct and the overall culture and health of the organization.
You will learn:
- What happens when an abuse report is submitted.
- GRACE’s definition of different forms of abuse.
- How GRACE determines patterns of abuse.
- Next steps that you can do if you think you’ve experienced spiritual abuse.
- Steps you can do if you have spiritually abused someone.
- Policies to look for that constitutes a safe church.
Guest Spotlight ✨
Pete Singer joined GRACE as the Executive Director on January 1, 2021 and passed away May 1, 2025. He had 30 years’ experience working with trauma, abuse, and mental health in a variety of settings.
Pete completed his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, where he also received a Certificate in Trauma-Effective Leadership. He spoke nationally on trauma, trauma-informed practice, resilience, strengthening the parent-child relationship, and the role of the faith community in responding to child maltreatment. He is a Registered Circle of Security – Parent Educator, Board-Approved Supervisor, and has completed extensive training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He has served on several workgroups, designed an innovative support and education program for staff in trauma-saturated fields across disciplines, and published and contributed to a number of articles and book chapters.
Links & Resources 🔗
Get 30% OFF an All Access Pass from any of our Annual Summits now through the end of June. Use code PODCAST30 to take advantage of this offer today!
Books:
Something’s Not Right by Wade Mullen
On Repentance and Repair by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg
Articles:
- Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church: Equipping Faith Communities to Prevent and Respond to Abuse by Pete Singer
- Coordinating Pastoral Care of Survivors with Mental Health Providers by Pete Singer
- The Use of Images During Forensic Interviews of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused by Pete Singer
Podcast: Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight
Resources for Reporting:
Don’t Miss the Next Episode!
Subscribe for free and never miss out on these conversations with old and new friends. Is there a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know!
Subscribe using your favorite podcast app:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube
Spread the Word. Leave a Rating and Review. It would mean the world if you would leave us a rating and review on Apple or on Spotify or share with your friends.
Broken to Beloved is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to provide those wounded by spiritual abuse and religious trauma with practical resources moving toward healing and wholeness, and to provide pastors and church leaders with resources to grow in trauma awareness and implement safeguarding practices. Get more information or give a tax-free donation here.
As an Amazon and Bookshop.org affiliate, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
