By Jennifer Taylor
If the cliché is true, we are “only as sick as our secrets.” Christ”s Church of the Valley (Royersford, Pennsylvania) created a new Web site and a sermon series to help people get well.
The “Dirty Little Secrets” series kicked off September 12, but CCV launched the Web site, where anyone can anonymously confess a sin or share a secret, in July. The site received thousands of hits in just the first few weeks.
“A woman in our church is an alcoholic who got sober five years ago,” says Ben Foulke, director of arts. “Her openness about this story and the recovery process inspired many of us. Our struggles may be different, but we”re all carrying a secret.”
The church realizes simply typing a secret into a Web site will not erase the hurt, shame, or sin.
“Dealing with our demons takes time,” Foulke says. “But God can redeem our broken places and this might be a first step for someone. Perhaps a person can”t tell his spouse or his friends, but he can start by acknowledging the truth here.”
Although Internet traffic has been steady, Foulke says some church members have been dismayed or offended by what they”ve read.
“Some of the secrets are disturbing,” he says. “But they”re also eye-opening. This experience has reminded me why I”m here and why I”m called to build relationships and share Christ with other people. It”s sobering to realize how much pain is right here in our town, in our church.”
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