Tapeinos is the Greek word for the humiliated, oppressed, vulnerable, and poor of society. In our world of power and prestige human beings have continued the practice of evil by oppressing others deemed weak and inferior in our society. Women, children, and men are victimized daily at incredible rates. Even worse, the church many times keeps silent.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

“For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals.” (Amos 2:6-7)

The Bible is filled with stories where people oppress others. Those who are in a position of power tend to humiliate those who “they feel” are weaker. Traditionally men have oppressed women, children, and other men. Millions of women and men who are survivors of this oppression and abuse are walking around today seeking God. Many are angry with God for allowing this to happen. Others fear God as “Father” thinking that the creator is an ogre. Some try to cope with this pain through drugs, alcohol, sexual addictions, or oppressing others.

At Agape we believe that the church has failed to address these issues. We believe that God is a God who stands for the oppressed and confronts the oppressor (not the other way around). We work with local agencies to help people, protect victims, and call abusers to repentance and behavior modification. We are here, like God, to love people and help them heal from their past pain by loving and respecting all people as children of God. Our Tapeinos Ministry is working in the following areas:

Domestic Violence = 1 in 4 women have been physically abused in their life by an intimate partner. 3 million children witness an act of domestic violence each year. We are working with Community Against Domestic Violence (CADV) to provide free trainings for clergy and others in addressing abuse. We also provide spiritual support in our Recovery Ministry for survivors of abuse and sexual assault. The Association of Marriage and Family Ministries also works with us to develop their Healing from Abuse Team.

Sexual Assault = 1 in 5 females and 1 in 6 males are sexually assaulted in America today. We currently have joined the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force to represent Oregon faith communities and provide access to resources for survivors and perpertrators. We also work to support Speaking Out against Sibling Sexual Assault (SOSSA). This group holds a small group for survivors or parents/relatives of victims.

Human Trafficking = Currently the #1 money making industry in the world. We are developing a ministry is to partner with Multnomah County Human Trafficking Task force, the Sheriff’s department, and the FBI to promote awareness and help to those caught in underaged prostitution.

Are you in an abusive situation and need help?

For publications and articles written by Ron Clark concerning abuse and the church visit.

10 ways men can end abuse toward women by Dr. Chris Huffine.

Wineskins Issue on Abuse, edited by Dr. Ron Clark.