Jamin Bradley

“If you don’t leave, I may have to call the cops to escort you off the premises,” I informed the first-time guest. 

“That would look really bad for you. I’ll be sticking around until the end of service,” he pushed back. 

After 25 minutes of back and forth, we agreed that this was the one and only time he was allowed to attend service and that the next time I caught him on the property, the police would be called immediately. He was visiting our church against his ex’s explicit request that he not. She had been a part of our church for a long time and informed me of his past manipulation and abuse. I recognized his attendance as an act of aggression against her and that was how we ended up in the conversation in the first place. Since he stuck around for service, I decided to change my preaching plans and spoke on how Jesus empowered women. 

Of course, when you push an abuser, they push back. Over the last month or so, we got two bad reviews on Google Maps as I expected we would. He also changed our address to 666 Greenwood Ave, which I laughed pretty hard at. And he posted a picture of trans people in our photo section, which is more than fine because trans people are more than welcome in our church.

Unrepentant abusers, however, are not welcome. By all means, find a church to attend and heal—but not the one your ex is at. 

Note: Please don’t retaliate on Google Maps or anywhere else. It will not heal or help this situation. I have no interest in ruining this man’s life. Rather, I want to encourage pastors and churches to take strong stands against abuse.