Click to see video introduction to See My Body, See Me
#MeToo. #ChurchToo. #pentecostalsisterstoo.
Since 2018, hashtags and stories of sexual violence have appeared in all sectors of life from Hollywood to the Olympics; from politics to religion; from universities to seminaries; and among pentecostals. But amidst all these stories of sexual abuse and assaults, one may wonder if any stories of healing from sexual violence exist. If so, what does healing look like, particularly among pentecostals who believe in divine healing? Is it a single prayer of faith or a conglomeration of healing factors?
I am excited to announce the release of the book See My Body, See Me: A Pentecostal Perspective on Healing from Sexual Violence from Pickwick Publications that addresses this very question. Some of you may recall that I previously made public (see posts on March 8, 2022 & March 18, 2021) that I was embarking on a research project for which I requested potential participants for a qualitative study. I am pleased to inform you that the book is now published. If you are a Christian, be it clergy, faculty, counselor, church leader, or lay person, who desires to companion with survivors and/or help provide a safe place for survivors to heal within our churches, this book may be for you.
With a foreword from Classical Pentecostal scholar Kimberly Ervin Alexander, See My Body, See Me systematically examines the healing stories of eight pentecostal survivors and the experiences of five pentecostal licensed counselors. It then combines these experiences (of both males and females) with Scripture (1 Corinthians), theology, psychology, and culture to provide a pentecostal perspective on healing from sexual violence. This practical theological volume, which may be classified as a genuine pentecostal work, is divided into two parts, both of which contain the threads of story, body, and healing. The first section describes four qualities of the healing journey of pentecostal survivors, including the impact of trauma and the importance of the survivor to tell the story. The second offers three historical pentecostal healing praxes of listening, waiting, and learning. See My Body, See Me is an invitation for pentecostals to participate in Christ’s healing ministry to see, hear, and believe survivors as God sees, hears, and believes them.
What are people saying about it?
In the wake of ongoing church abuse scandal and the reality of sexual trauma in our society, Pamela Engelbert provides a comprehensive pastoral resource for church leaders. Academically researched, biblically grounded, and thoroughly Pentecostal, See My Body, See Me is at once sober, practical, and hopeful. It’s both a vindication of local church efforts to address trauma in community and a call to wield Pentecostal practices to facilitate and deepen the work of healing.
—Joseph Lear, pastor of preaching and theology, Resurrection Assembly of God
(Also see Pastoral Theology with Joseph Lear to see what more he has to say)
This is a must-read for Pentecostals! Sexual violence has too long been swept under the rug in our tradition. Pamela Engelbert’s book does not shy away from the trauma experienced by women but offers a path forward toward healing. This is a book for survivors and their families, for counselors, and for pastors who wish to participate in Christ’s healing ministry.
—Melissa L. Archer, professor of biblical studies, Southeastern University
This book is a powerful call to attune to the lived experiences of Pentecostal survivors of sexual violence and to become those who can enter their unique journeys and companion them effectively through specific healing praxes. Pamela Engelbert skillfully weaves together theological, biblical, and psychological insights with the stories of survivor and counselor-participants. The result is a transformative and must-read resource for Pentecostal believers and their communities and for those providing care to them.
—Haley R. French, LPC, assistant professor of professional counseling, Oral Roberts University
As we continue to discern how to navigate the reality of sexual violence in the church, Pamela Engelbert has written a masterful work that combines practical help for survivors of sexual violence and also a framework for those who lead in religious spaces to work to prevent sexual violence and to walk with survivors. I believe that Engelbert’s work will bring healing to all who are impacted by the implications of sexual violence in our churches.
—Joy E. A. Qualls, associate dean, Biola University
Pamela Engelbert’s book is a gem, bringing acute scholarship woven with her personal story and a cogent call for intentional awareness, grace, and healing. This book will be a welcome and needed resource for all those who have suffered such assault and for those in professional mental health and ministry roles—one that takes seriously her Christian and Pentecostal heritage. Get your copy of this book as soon as it is available!
—George D. Fessler, director of pastoral care, SoCal Network Assemblies of God
Copies will be available for purchase at Wipf and Stock and Amazon.