By: Maria Williams
Elizabeth Bennett McKinney, founder of Church Hurt in America, has dedicated her life to helping others recover from the emotional and spiritual trauma caused by negative church experiences. To address bullying and peer abuse within Christian communities, Elizabeth has used her unique blend of personal faith, psychological expertise, and deep understanding of the human heart to guide others from pain toward healing.
For more than two decades, Elizabeth has been at the forefront of conversations around church hurt and bullying. Her journey began in 1993 with groundbreaking research into peer abuse, leading her to coin the term “Peer Abuse” and establish herself as an early voice in the field. In 2001, she launched one of the first websites in the United States dedicated to raising awareness about bullying, becoming a trailblazer long before the rise of social media and blogs.
Yet, her ability to mend the divide between trauma and healing truly sets Elizabeth apart, using scripture as her guide. While many professionals in Christian counseling focus on addressing wounds, Elizabeth’s approach is unique in that it is deeply rooted in her faith journey. She understands firsthand the pain caused by spiritual betrayal, having faced church hurt herself. Her personal experience has given her a profound empathy for those she serves, and this understanding has made her a sought-after speaker, consultant, and life coach.
Elizabeth’s work goes beyond identifying the causes of church trauma—it offers a path forward. Through her writing, consulting, and coaching services, she empowers individuals to confront their pain and rediscover their faith. Her message is simple but powerful: the real enemy is not within the church community but the spiritual forces that seek to divide believers. As Elizabeth says, “No believer needs to stray from the Lord. We are a body of believers, and scripture outlines specifically how we are to handle conflict.”
Photo Courtesy: Elizabeth Bennett
One of Elizabeth’s key strengths is her ability to tailor her approach to different audiences, making her a valuable resource for both individuals and church leaders. She speaks directly to the hearts of those who have been hurt, offering compassionate guidance on how to heal from spiritual wounds. At the same time, she equips pastors and church leadership with the tools to foster healthier congregational environments, ensuring that church hurt is addressed and prevented.
Her ability to inspire change has earned her recognition throughout her career. In 2001, she was acknowledged by the National Who’s Who Registry for her work in bullying, and in 2013, her name was put forward for the Shorty Awards in the category of Activism. As her platform continues to grow, Elizabeth’s vision remains clear: to be a voice for those who feel silenced and a catalyst for change within the Christian community.
For churches and Christian organizations seeking to promote healing and unity, Elizabeth is the speaker and consultant they’ve been looking for. She brings unparalleled expertise, compassion, and faith to every engagement, whether a keynote address at a conference, a workshop for church leaders, or one-on-one individual coaching.
Invite Elizabeth Bennett McKinney to speak at your next church event or conference, and let her guide your community from hurt to healing. You can learn more about her work and services at Church Hurt in America.
Published By: Aize Perez
