No Longer a Slave: Transforming Shame into Strength in Ministry

2025-05-14

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In this episode, I chat with Hadley Baker, who courageously shares his journey through sexual addiction and its impact on his life as a pastor. Hadley opens up about his childhood trauma as the result of an unwanted pregnancy, believing he was unlovable. Then came the early onset of his addiction to pornography and the eventual internal conflict of living a double life while in ministry. He recounts pivotal moments, such as his spiritual awakening, the challenges in his marriage, and his path to healing through counseling and truly understanding God's ...

He recounts pivotal moments, such as his spiritual awakening, the challenges in his marriage, and his path to healing through counseling and truly understanding God's love.

We also highlight the importance of authenticity and open discussions within the church to support anyone struggling with unwanted sexual behaviors. Hadley’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for grace, hope, and compassion.

To learn more about Hadley and get his book, No Longer a Slave, visit HadleyBaker.com.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

Personal journey of sexual addiction and its impact on life as a pastor.
Importance of discussing sensitive topics like addiction within the church.
Influence of childhood trauma and family dynamics on self-worth and identity.
Early exposure to pornography and its role in developing compulsive behaviors.
Spiritual awakening and commitment to faith as a turning point.
Struggles with living a double life while in ministry.
Escalation of addiction and the cycle of shame and secrecy.
The significance of counseling and understanding God's love in the healing process.
Transition back into ministry after overcoming addiction and personal struggles.
Advocacy for creating safe spaces in churches for open discussions about addiction and personal challenges.