Being a Sanctuary

When we embrace God's vision for the church--a sacred (biblically based), soft (trauma informed), and safe (justice centered) community--we can address church trauma and heal the body of Christ. What does it mean to be the Body of Christ in a healthy and holy way? When we hear about church scandals or people leaving the church, it can seem as though the Body of Christ is in a crisis. In Being a Sanctuary, Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez--who has experienced abuse, trauma, and racism within the church--takes us on an honest, biblical, and reflective journey as she examines the state of the church and offers a hopeful path forward. Perreaux-Dominguez focuses on three aspects of God's vision for the church: that it would be sacred (Bible based), soft (trauma informed), and safe (justice centered). She unpacks practical steps we can take to realize this vision and cultivate a lifestyle of being a sanctuary, including repenting, pursuing sanctification, showing Christ's compassion, healing injustices, choosing unity over uniformity, and being advocates. "Essential reading for those yearning to rediscover a church that embodies the profound love and grace of Christ." -- Latasha Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of Be the Bridge; CEO and founder of Be the Bridge "Pricelis's love for the church is matched by her passion for truth. In this crisis moment of the church, many will find their own story in this book. This invitation to restoration through truth is one we all need." -- Sandra María Van Opstal, pastor and author of The Next Worship "Pricelis addresses the church with passionate love. Sometimes those with the strongest words speak boldly because they have ferocious hope. That hope is palpable through these pages." -- Faith Eury Cho, pastor and author of Experiencing Friendship with God "Perreaux-Dominguez constructs a solid model of church reform. . . . This inspires."-- Publishers Weekly What does it mean to be the Body of Christ in a healthy and holy way? When news outlets reveal church scandals or we hear stories about people leaving the church, it can seem as though we are in a bit of a crisis as the Body of Christ. In Being a Sanctuary, Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez--who has experienced abuse, trauma, and racism within the church--takes us on an honest, biblical, and reflective journey as she examines the state of the church and offers us a hopeful path forward. Perreaux-Dominguez focuses on three aspects of God's vision for the church: that it would be sacred (Bible based), soft (trauma informed), and safe (justice centered). Each section of the book explores what these mean for the church using biblical teaching, practical instruction, and stories from her own experiences. She unpacks practical steps the body of Christ can take to realize this vision and cultivate a lifestyle of being a sanctuary, including repenting, pursuing sanctification, showing Christ's compassion, healing injustices, choosing unity over uniformity, and being advocates. This book is for anyone ready to be both challenged and encouraged on how we, as the Body of Christ, can collectively return to God's foundational call to be radicals who choose the path of being sacred, soft, and safe--just like Jesus is.