423 HAS BEEN THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR SEXUAL HEALING IN OUR CHURCH, BAR NONE.

JOHN MARK COMER Founder of Bridgetown Church, Author of Practing the Way & Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

For pastors and church leaders

Is Your Church Ready to Care Well?

Discern your church’s readiness to address sexual brokenness, betrayal, and recovery—with clarity, care, and wisdom.

A guided reflection for pastors and church leaders
About 5 minutes • No obligation • Designed to guide, not grade

The reality most churches are facing

A sober look at the landscape pastors and leaders are navigating today.

Clarity for where you might find yourself

These numbers aren’t meant to alarm—but to help you discern what kind of care, preparation, and support your church may need.

Stats compiled from referenced research (e.g., Barna Group, 2024) and related program data.

84%
Men regularly access pornography.
This is a pastoral care issue, not a niche problem.
40%
Women regularly access pornography.
Care must be ready for women, not just men.
75%
Active Christian men report pornography use.
Silence in the church increases isolation and shame.
82%
Christian men say they don’t have meaningful support.
Readiness is measured by care pathways, not good intentions.
74%
Betrayed partners surveyed showed clinical symptoms of PTSD.
Any ministry response must be trauma-informed.
10%
Only 10% of churches report having resources to help.
This assessment helps identify what support you need first.
9
Average age of first exposure to pornography.
Prevention and youth pathways are essential.
94%
Kids will see explicit pornography by age 14.
Churches need a plan for parents and youth.
70%
Youth pastors report being approached regularly by teens seeking help.
A youth pathway is not optional—it is pastoral care.

If these realities are already in your church, the question is not if you will need a pathway—only when.

Begin the Assessment

A Partner, Not a Program

Equipping the local church to care well—without carrying the burden alone

Sexual brokenness, betrayal, and addiction are already present in every congregation. The question is not whether the church will encounter these realities, but whether leaders will be equipped to respond with wisdom, safety, and hope. 423 exists to come alongside churches—carrying the weight, building the pathways, and equipping leaders for long-term, sustainable care.

We carry the internal lift

Most churches feel the weight of this ministry long before they feel ready to lead it. 423 removes the heavy operational burden—curriculum, structure, training, systems, and oversight—so pastors and staff are not left to build something complex and emotionally demanding on their own.

We help create safe, healing spaces

Recovery requires more than good intentions. We help churches establish trauma-informed environments where men, women, teens, spouses, and parents can be honest, be witnessed, and experience care that is both clinically informed and biblically grounded.

We build clear pathways, not one-size solutions

Sexual brokenness impacts individuals, marriages, families, and leadership systems differently. 423 helps churches implement clear recovery pathways—so people know where to go, leaders know how to respond, and care does not depend on crisis moments or personal charisma.

We train and disciple lay leaders

Recovery leadership is not simply a skill set—it is a discipleship journey. We equip lay leaders to become competent, compassionate guides who are themselves being formed spiritually, emotionally, and relationally as they serve the body.

We equip pastors and staff to care well

Pastors are often the first point of disclosure and the last line of care. 423 provides training, language, and ongoing support so pastoral teams can respond wisely—without overextending themselves or unintentionally causing harm.

We support long-term sustainability

This work is not seasonal or short-term. We help churches manage groups, train leaders, navigate growth, and adapt over time—so recovery ministries remain healthy, relationally grounded, and aligned with the church’s broader discipleship vision.

What this makes possible

  • Men and women finding freedom and restoration through safe community
  • Husbands and wives healing from betrayal and rebuilding trust
  • Teens and young adults receiving early, redemptive intervention
  • Parents equipped to engage sexual discipleship with wisdom and care
  • Lay leaders formed into mature, discerning servants of the church
  • Pastors supported rather than isolated in complex care decisions

You do not need to solve this alone. Whether you are discerning readiness, seeking partnership, or simply starting the conversation, we would be honored to walk with you.