Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
Arthur asks, “How much loss is permissible loss?” and compares tolerating 1-in-10 struggling to a hospital where 1-in-10 dies; what does that analogy accuse church leadership of *accepting*, and what would “going after the one” (Good Shepherd language) require that we may not want to pay?
Another way to ask: Arthur asks how much loss is “okay,” like a hospital where 1 out of 10 patients die. What does that comparison say church leaders are settling for, and what would it really cost to “go after the one”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Arthur’s analogy accuses leaders of quietly accepting preventable spiritual harm through silence and under-response; “going after the one” would require intentional, costly rescue—time, training, humility, and relational risk.
- He challenges complacency: even if “not even one person in 10” struggles, would you accept a “hospital where just one out of 10 dies”? It would be “shut down very quickly.”
- He uses Good Shepherd language: Jesus “goes after the one person who is struggling,” and therefore “We should be like Jesus…even if it’s 1%.”
- He warns leaders about silence: “We must not be silent,” because silence teaches “it’s not safe to talk about sexual struggle.”
- He argues people aren’t coming forward because they fear harsh treatment, shame, and being “marked.”
- He says the need is massive: if all who struggle monthly came forward, “we would be overwhelmed…need dozens of people.”
- He points to the “cost” model: authorize and train lay people, build multi-church support, and invest in tools like structured programs and mentoring.