Hurt by Church… or Misled by Imitators?
You walked into church with hope—heart open, faith strong, dreams alive. You carried a mantle too heavy for some, but you believed God had called you for something greater. Or maybe you came broken, weary from life’s battles, or burned out from pouring your spirit into others without being filled in return. You showed up ready to be poured into, ready to worship, ready to serve.
But instead, you felt a sting—words sharp like knives, silence colder than the pew, and a loneliness that settled heavy beside you. You sensed something was off, yet you stayed, hoping your faith could carry you through. The truth is, you were hurt—not by God’s Church, but by imperfect, sometimes broken people within it.
Some of those hurting you are members who haven’t matured in Christ as they should. They may lack a true relationship with God or even the desire to have one. These members become easier targets for the enemy, used as vessels to spread hurt and damage. They wrestle with jealousy, self-righteousness, and wounds of their own—quick to correct others out of misplaced pain because they themselves have been hurt. Hurt people, hurt people.
It’s crucial to say: Church hurt isn’t God’s doing. It’s the result of counterfeit community that not only include members, but sometimes leaders who wear the robe but lack the heart, teachings that twist grace into control, and traditions that silence the Spirit’s voice.
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” — Titus 1:16
You placed your trust in God’s people, expecting Christ’s love to pour through them. When that love faltered, it wasn’t God’s heart that failed—it was human weakness. And while the church is meant to be a sanctuary of healing and hope, sometimes it becomes a battleground of brokenness.
Don’t confuse hurt by church with God’s abandonment.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
God’s Church is His Body—imperfect, yes, but made holy through His presence. The pain you experienced often comes from imitators—those who mimic holiness but miss the heart of it. It’s a call to discernment, not disillusionment.
“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” — 1 John 4:1
For the woman who came in broken, burned out, or exhausted from pouring out, God sees you. He knows your thirst for a place to be filled, a place where your leadership and heart are treasured. Seeking God’s guidance on where to worship is as vital as the worship itself. The Holy Spirit will open doors or close them, directing your feet to places of refuge and renewal.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Sometimes, God will send you into broken places—not to break you more, but to preserve you in those spaces, so you can see clearly what’s really going on. Your ministry may not only be to heal yourself but to be a beacon of hope and restoration for the hurt around you.
In these moments, His protection surrounds you, even when the atmosphere feels heavy. He is preparing you to lead with insight born from experience and compassion forged in the fire of your own wounds.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” — Isaiah 43:2
Your journey through these broken spaces is part of your calling. You are not disqualified by your wounds; you are appointed for purpose.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29
Remember, God never leaves His daughters in despair. He is the Healer, the Restorer, the One who fills the emptiest vessels with His overflowing grace.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
You were never meant to be a seat filler or a silent sufferer. You are a Kingdom builder, anointed to carry presence, not just platform. You are being prepared to lead with wisdom, compassion, and strength.
“Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. — Malachi 3:7
The real Church—the living, breathing Body of Christ—is waiting for you. Your scars, your story, your leadership are needed now more than ever. It’s time to rise, healed and whole, to lead with the boldness and grace God has poured into your spirit.
Prayer
Father, I come to You with a heart burdened by wounds from places meant to be holy. Heal me, restore my trust, and guide me to Your true community where I can be poured into and empowered. Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Help me walk boldly in the calling You’ve placed on my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want more real talk, prayers, and purpose-driven wisdom?
Join our tribe of women walking bold in God’s calling. Subscribe to the TPW Sisterhood Newsletter and follow us on Instagram @todayspurposewoman.
