Faith

WI Church Offers Adults-Only Worship Services to Sex Offenders

WI Church Offers Sex Offenders Adult Only Worship Services

A Wisconsin church has come up with an intriguing way to allow sex offenders to participate in worship. The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Madison, Wisconsin, is holding adult-only services on Thursday evenings so that offenders can participate in church without violating parole.

The church’s prison ministry project started the bi-weekly church services on Feb. 23. to help accommodate this population. By not including children in the worship events, these individuals are able to be a part of the church community without incident. According to church leader Rev. Jerry Hancock, it was a parole officer who originally brought the idea to First Congregational last year as a way to include these individuals.

Jim Gerndt, a local psychologist, says that the service’s organization is helpful to sex offenders who are working to recover.

“For someone who is actively provoked by sexual stimuli, such as being around male or female minors, part of their rehabilitation is to alter their sexual arousal patterns and to completely avoid stimuli or to limit exposure to it,” Gerndt explained.

WI Church Offers Sex Offenders Adult Only Worship ServicesHancock was adement in an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal, that the event is not therapeutic and that it is not necessarily a “sex-offender service.” Rather, it is an opportunity for this population to experience the same worship opportunities that others in the community have.

“It’s not designed to be therapeutic. It’s not a support group,” Hancock also explained. “We are using the same text, the same order of worship and the same sermon topic that was used the previous Sunday.”

First Congregational has purportedly been careful regarding how much the program has been advertised, out of fear that protesters opposed to the efforts might be attracted to the church. Instead, leaders have relied on relationships with other houses of worship to spread the word.

“We truly want to be a church where everyone is welcome,” parishioner Susan Heneman explained. “We have to live this out, not just say it on paper.”

The church lists its prison ministry programs under a section called “social justice” on its web site and also offers support services for gays and lesbians.

(H/T: Newscore via FOX News)

Comments (45)

  • joehanx2
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:06pm

    you know if you are caught streaking or taking a restroom break on the side of a highway and are caught you will be on that list also sex offender is a blanketed term they were supposed to come up with some kind of tiered system so it can be organized from worst offence to least. their are so many places that they cannot go to. the chance to know the lord and talk with a priest pastor rabbi father or padre would also help them fight the temptation. every lil bit helps

    Report Post »  
  • Desperadeaux
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 4:37pm

    If a sexual offender comes to intellectual &spiritual awareness that his actions, even his arousals, are sinful & wants to change his life, it is virtually impossible in society. Most are rightfully on a public list, yet living free among us.

    I contend it’s possible for them to be Christians. But, temptation continues, as w/ all sins. Now a Christian, with whom does he/she worship. Alone in a closet? OK – but Jesus called a church.
    Obviously they don‘t become a congregation’s youth minister. But, how does “the church” forgive & teach them more perfectly the Word (i.e., Jesus.)? It is not as simple as might be with other “sins”. They cannot, legally or morally be around children. Is a “segregated” service of only adults (former offenders & other adults – a mixture of mature Christians and other “walk-ins’) the way to accomplish fellowship, edification, encouragment and teaching? “The” way? Maybe; maybe not.

    But, if they have or wish to become Christians, the church is under obligation & command to teach & serve in whatever way is best to obey their Master. The Apostle Paul referred to 1 of his congregations as being made up of all sorts of the reformed: theives & even murderers. Precedent for Jesus’ disciples accepting the outcast is clear. How to do it is not.

    As strong as my disagreement w/ the UCC (Obama’s church) doctrine is, this is a unique way to approach an outcast group.

    I have no answers & many questions. Hopefully we Christians can com

    Report Post »  
  • robertc
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 4:13pm

    Here’s the song list for their mass:
    • What Child Is This?
    • Three Brave Boys.
    • Daniel Was A Child Like Me.
    • Nine Little Shepherds.
    • Little Drummer Boy.

    Report Post »  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 4:19pm

      Is it wrong that I laughed?

      Report Post » girlnurse  
    • robertc
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 5:03pm

      @GIRLNURSE: No, because the entire idea of this service is so stupid that it’s funny!

      Report Post »  
  • JCofPA
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:24pm

    Regardless of who is “behind” this, we as a culture need to find a civilized way to confront this and control it. I would like to say it is encouranging to see that a church has stepped forward, and those people should be allowed to worship their God. On the whole issue my question is why do we turn every social ill into a profit center of victim treatment but we never go to the root cause of the problem and reduce the victims by fixing our communities? Not wanting to judge others who post here I hesitate to say this, but I feel moved to do so, your attitude towards offenders is extremely disturbing. I have been taught that there is nothing so heinous in a person that God would not take away if a person would truly be repentant and accept Christ. Condemnation is God‘s not man’s.

    Report Post » JCofPA  
    • Gaius Gracchus
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:31pm

      Great comment

      Report Post » Gaius Gracchus  
    • palerider54
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 4:32pm

      I agree completely. I have committed sins that I would not want my friends and Church members know about. The only way I can look in the mirror and smile is I know I have repented and asked and received COMPLETE forgiveness from Jesus Christ, my savior.

      I also have read some comments here that discuss these feel good Church’s that preach ear tickeling sermons, and do not require repentance of sins.

      You can’t have it both ways.

      We are made in Gods image. Neither man nor God can forgive without repentance.
      And before you can ask forgiveness of a sin, you first must admit and acknowledge you sin.

      Report Post »  
  • vaman
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 2:47pm

    “We truly want to be a church where everyone is welcome,”

    That is a good message for you so-called christians on this site. Read some of the comments on here. Not too much christian love. But as always, the ultra right crazy jesus idiots think their way is the only way. God will be very angry with a lot of you and your unloving, intolerant behavior. Hope you enjoy hell! That’s what you would say about others, so it works in reverse also. Wait until those pedophiles get a hold of you in hell! LOL.

    Report Post »  
  • girlnurse
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 2:04pm

    This seems like a good idea-only God can change someones heart. We will be surprised who is in heaven when we get there…we just have to use wisdom while we here on earth…Jesus said there would be wolves (posing as sheep) walking among us. Some of them are even in the pulpit. Pray for wisdom, but we have to forgive those who honestly want to repent and stop sinning. We have to forgive-that is a commandment. That doesn‘t mean we shouldn’t punish child molesters with death.

    Report Post » girlnurse  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 1:54pm

    I have no problem with the Religious part… but Parolees should not associate with Parolees and other known Criminals!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 2:07pm

      I hear what you are saying but they have never been able to restrict contact in religious services. Just because someone is an ex-felon on parole does not mean they forfeit their freedom of religion, or their right of assembly. There is a difference between association in a house of worship as compared to association in other places. Very difficult to enforce.

      Report Post »  
  • izukiddin
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 1:18pm

    It doesn’t surprise me that the C of C would be part of this. They are a ***-ba-ya group who believe that everyone will probably get to heaven because God loves everyone. They take Biblical quotes out of context that suit their lifestyle as justification for their behavior. This attitude that you can believe in anything makes justification for what you do very easy.

    Report Post »  
    • Gaius Gracchus
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 2:40pm

      Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
      Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Mat 18:21-22

      By the way I am Catholic. Some of us Christians actually do follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ. How about you?

      Report Post » Gaius Gracchus  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:00pm

      Let it be known it is a *United* church of Christ and is in no way affiliated with the churches of Christ. The United and the regular church of Christ are two different entities and as about as completely opposite as you can get with regards to how God’s word is viewed. I just thought that should be noted. It’s a BIG difference.

      Report Post » scarebear83  
  • Granny58
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 1:13pm

    In general the UCC is too liberal for my tastes, but this is a good idea.

    Report Post »  
  • gbfreak
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 12:43pm

    The obammy puking social justice reference at the bottom of the article……says it all.

    Report Post » gbfreak  
  • LOTO
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:34am

    Well good.
    Now the high school football player that mooned the cheerleader bus one night after a game and is on the list as a sexual offender can go and hear the word of God. (If he moves to WI).
    So can the 25 year old man that had sex with his girlfriend when she was 14 (and he was 16 at the time) can go out into public and and have somewhat of a normal life and hear The Word.
    So can the guy with the scorned wife that used accusations to win a custody battle.
    Also the 16 year old girl that had a baby by a 13 year old boy (oh, wait, those never get prosecuted).
    Not very offender is a 50 year old man with a 9 year old. Take a look at the lists sometime and realize that once a again a very good law was taken and abused and turned into a money machine for the lawyers.
    Somewhere in my Bible I recall something about forgiving.
    But wisdom keeps a watchful eye.

    Report Post » LOTO  
    • TMink
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 12:46pm

      Loto, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 21 years experience working with adults and children who were sexually abused. While I agree with you that mooning someone is not an appropriate reason for being on a sexual offender list, I can tell you that the vast majority of people who are on the list deserve to be there.

      I think this is a great idea and I support it. Those folks need to be in church, but they need to be away from kids.

      Trey

      Report Post »  
    • Gaius Gracchus
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 2:59pm

      And you need to find a job other than clinical psychologist since all your personal fears are infecting your patients. “According to new research from California, ‘just 3.2 percent of more than 4000 sex offenders released on parole in 2002 were re-imprisoned for another sex offence in the subsequent 5 years.’ The figures in California are consistent with a 2007 comprehensive study from Minnesota, which found, between 1990 and 2002, a similar 3.2 percent recidivism rate among sex offenders three years after their release from prison (See, e.g., Sex Offenders Unlikely to Commit Second Crime, New Scientist, July 6, 2008).

      Sexual offender laws (including the Adam Walsh act) do little to nothing prevent sexual abuse and are even being shown to increase crime by their abuse of the sexual offender who has served his/her time. With nothing to gain they have nothing to lose.

      Report Post » Gaius Gracchus  
  • budzy1911
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:58am

    I wouldn’t consider this a Christian Church. Sadly the teaching of the bible has been corrupted by liberals and we end up with these feel good institutions where progressives can feel like they are making a difference under the guise of religion.

    Looking at their web site they may want to revist – Roman 1:27 – In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

    Then again many of the churches have twisted the word of God to fit thier views.

    Report Post » budzy1911  
    • TMink
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 12:47pm

      But where will these people learn the word of God if not in church? Christ came for the sick, and these people are certainly sick. I think this is an act of Christian love and obedience.

      Trey

      Report Post »  
    • Gaius Gracchus
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:04pm

      And you may want to revisit Mat 18:21-22. Do you actually believe that Jesus does not forgive? He loves the saint just as much as the criminal. Please get down from your high horse and realize that none of us deserve salvation and that we all need forgiveness.

      Report Post » Gaius Gracchus  
  • ColoradoMaverick
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:43am

    Who are they worshiping, Satin?

    Report Post » ColoradoMaverick  
    • Alydia
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:32am

      No, Satan……

      Report Post »  
    • Gaius Gracchus
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:16pm

      “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
      Luke 13:29-31

      God loves us all and offers the opportunity for forgiveness to all. Maybe you should take Him up on the offer some day.
      “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 15 As has just been said:
      “Today, if you hear his voice,
      do not harden your hearts
      as you did in the rebellion.”

      Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?”
      Heb3:14-16

      Report Post » Gaius Gracchus  
  • piper60
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:26am

    the UCC has stopped using the phrase “God, our father” in their theology and services. That should say it all.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • EP46
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:48am

    Keep in mind, they are trying to make pediphilia a ‘disease’ not a crime.

    Report Post »  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 1:47pm

      They are working on it. As soon as they get done “normalizing” ****…pedophilia will be next.

      Report Post » girlnurse  
    • Gaius Gracchus
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 3:20pm

      Where does justice stop and vengeance start? Do you really want to live in a society that is based upon vengeance?

      Report Post » Gaius Gracchus  
  • dissent
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:46am

    Adults only church services for those of us who hate listening to other people‘s kids scream during church wouldn’t be a bad idea to begin with…

    Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:27am

    This is where I have a problem with this.
    We have subjected our community to releasing prisoners early, that should have never seen the light of day or maybe they just should have been executed for their crimes.
    That way the one’s that have been released early and are truly repentant for their crimes and can put it behind them and go on leading productive lives..

    But no …
    We turn society’s degenerates loose on the public and they know how to play the system..
    They go to church play the part and look like your average decent human being..
    But in reality they are biting at the bit to become the animal they are , because in reality they never changed .

    So now…
    society/communities/churches has to impose post-offender-programs ,
    to deal with all the degenerates that have slipped through the cracks .

    I say..!
    Start executing the worst of these degenerates .
    Give them plenty of time to “get right” with their God .
    But that’s all they get ..!
    And maybe some “thinking about doing these crimes” .
    Will get the hint…and NOT act on these impulses .

    Report Post » sawbuck  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:54am

      First, let me agree about keeping the sick ones in jail.
      If they can never be cured, then it will never be safe to release them.
      Having said that, the registry laws are very poorly written, as they came about through political expediency in response to public pressure. They were not well thought out.
      If you get caught peeing behind a dumpster, you will be on the list for life, in many states.
      If you and your spouse get caught in the woods doing something explicit, you will be on the list for life.
      Having said that, this is a creative way to reach these people. They are the very people we should be reaching out to. They need God’s word. Cloistering up in a church and worshipping is not what Christ commanded. Many churches are putting services online now as well.

      I’d be very wary of taking my child to church there, though. Even to the other service times.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:16am

    With those who harm a child I have a simple solution: keep them behind bars for life; weld the doors shut and have the church services there…no excuses for having any child endangered, no matter how remote the possibility.

    Mind you, I am a chaplain as well, and have preached jailhouse services before.

    With the safety of innocent children the rule has to be inviolate from offenders – take no chances.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:07am

      I may have been one of those listening to you….gun crime, 30+ years ago, 3x. I have 4 children. A predator tried once with my daughter. Threatened to hunt him down and kill him, forced him out of town. He has not been seen since. We know how sin works. Once you give yourself over to it, you become it’s slave. I believe there are sex offenders who should not be classified as sex offenders. Things like statutory rape, adolescents doing stupid things. They should not be marked for the rest of their lives. I agree with you though about the rest. Natural life.
      What this church is doing is a good thing. We can’t change the fact that they are out on the streets. They need to hear Gods Word. It makes a difference.

      Report Post »  
  • JimL
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:15am

    Sexualizing children– policy supported by taxes.

    Report Post »  
  • jedi.kep
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:13am

    But if these people are born that way, how can you hope to change them? Seriously, they cannot help themselves or what they are ‘turned on’ by. How can you hope to reprogram something that is biologically natural?

    Thus, the failure of the left once again is brought to light. We can ‘reprogram’ sex offenders, but homosexuals can’t be reprogramed in the same way?

    Personal opinion, good job church!

    Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:00am

      Which behaviors are genetic?

      There is still the whole nurture versus nature debate going on.

      I don’t believe pedophilia is genetic any more than I believe homosexuality is genetic.

      The behavior is probably nigh hardwired due to repeated actions & thought & these people might be too dangerous to let out in public. But I don’t believe it is genetic.

      Doctors are coming up with therapies to erase or ameliorate PTSD with drugs & therapy. If they can do that they can make people, ex gay or ex-pedophiles. Sound s like it takes a lot of time & money.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 10:06am

      The psychiatrist who helped change the DSM in 1973 conducted ex gay therapy in the last decade. He had people referred to him by Christian pastors, who wanted to be ex gay. They were not being forced to do anything. They volunteered.

      He concluded that becoming ex gay was possible but that it would work only for a small percentage.

      Nonetheless the APA & the LGBT pressure groups wanted to run him out of town on a rail
      & lynch.

      The APA has stopped science progress to a great extent.

      Report Post »  
    • gbfreak
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 12:48pm

      They should be retrained to be attracted to electric light sockets…..problem solved.

      Report Post » gbfreak  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:09am

    .
    “For someone who is actively provoked by sexual stimuli, such as being around male or female minors, part of their rehabilitation is to alter their sexual arousal patterns and to completely avoid stimuli or to limit exposure to it,”……

    Or you could just shoot them in the head so the rest of us don’t have to worry about getting Raped…..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:17am

      I was thinking a pack of rabid, feral javalinas…less mess to clean up.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 8:46am

      .
      Snow I never thought about the going Green approach………..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 9:11am

      @Spank – actually I call it the four footed garbage disposal method.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • GideonCain
      Posted on March 21, 2012 at 11:19pm

      @Snowleopard: In a previous post you stated you were a chaplain; I also have conducted ministries with probationers. Most of these people will eventually be released from prison, and the best way to keep them leading worthy and productive lives is employment and the saving grace of God the Father through faith in God the Son. Rather than advocating death by wild animal, perhaps you should be advocating salvation through Christ. I have no problem with punishment, it gives a man time to think and find God, but as ministers we must help them find God. Perhaps you spend too much time with The Blaze, and not enough with scripture.

      Report Post »  

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