Why Churches Keep Failing Abuse Survivors - Johnna Harris, Amy Fritz & Chantal McKinney

When church abuse happens, some of the greatest failures comes after the harm itself. On this episode of Christianity Without Compromise, originally recorded live, Amy Fritz, host of the Untangled Faith Podcast, Johnna Harris, co-host of the Bodies Behind the Bus Podcast, and Chantal McKinney, author of Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls, are on Christianity Without Compromise with host Jake Doberenz to discuss why churches so often fail abuse survivors and what must change. The conversation examines how institutions can become more committed to protecting their reputation than caring for wounded people, why forgiveness should never replace accountability, and how spiritual abuse thrives in cultures that silence survivors. The panel also explores practical steps toward healthier churches through transparency, restorative justice, compassionate listening, and communities that prioritize people over institutional preservation.Resources Mentioned:Bodies Behind the Bus PodcastUntangled Faith PodcastFollowing Jesus Beyond Church Walls by Chantal McKinney (affiliate)Water and Light movementDiane Langberg: Narcissism and the System It BreedsGuest Bios:Amy Fritz hosts the Untangled Faith Podcast, helping Christians separate authentic faith from harmful church experiences. Johnna Harris co-hosts the Bodies Behind the Bus Podcast, which documents stories of abuse within evangelical institutions and examines the theological systems that enable harm. Chantal McKinney is the author of Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls, a church planting coach and consultant, and founder of the Water and Light network, which provides support and healing resources for people harmed by the church. Jake Doberenz is the host of Christianity Without Compromise podcast, writer of the weekly newsletter Smashing Idols, and founder of the podcast production company Theophany Media. Follow this show and Jake Doberenz’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.