Confession Best Practices
A vital part of healing and pursuing freedom is confessing sins, especially those Satan shames us with.
It’s also important to share the right things in the right context because sharing too much detail in group could:
• Tempt/trigger group members
• Subject them to legal consequences.
Note: this is in addition to following…
What to Share
And in What Contexts
Group
Share when you relapse and/or break your commitment to change. Group is a great place to share your
story at a high level (example: “I was sexually abused,” or, “I sought out inappropriate content on social
media”).
Do not share details (type of explicit content, where it was found, or graphic details about sexual abuse).
Professional Counselors
Many guys find counseling helpful, professional counseling is a great place to process anything that you
feel needs to be shared or processed through but is graphic or could cause others to feel tempted.
(Example: processing through specific fantasies/fetishes or the details of sexual abuse.)
Ada County Sheriff’s Office
Since groups and Counselors are all mandatory reporters anyway, illicit behavior is best shared directly with law enforcement (with an attorney if you prefer).
If members want to share that they have engaged or are engaged in illicit activity, they must share with their group leader before sharing with the group and must follow your recommendation on if/how much should be shared.
Note: Group Leaders are instructed to follow the reporting guidelines in the Memo of Understanding
AND report any sexual behavior involving a minor.
FAQs
In group, can I share if/when I’m deeply depressed and thinking about suicide?
Yes, but if someone perceives intent to commit suicide or there’s mention of a means of committing suicide, this must be reported.
Can someone on probation/parole participate in group?
Yes, but they must notify their group leader who must verify the probation officer’s clearance for their participation.
In group, can I confess past illicit activity?
Speak to your group leader 1x1 before sharing with the group, they will speak with our leadership team
and provide counsel. Note that any illicit sexual behavior involving minors must be reported regardless of the timeline or context shared.
Why can’t I continue in group if I’m going through divorce or facing legal charges?
To protect group members from subpoena where they’d be forced to break confidentiality.
What do I do if a reportable offense is disclosed in group?
The participant should be told they have 24 hours to self report or the group/church must do so for them. The participant should refrain from group until the reported offense has been dealt with by the authorities