Chonda Pierce Reveals How Faith Saved Her From a Childhood of Abuse at the Hands of Her Pastor Father

Chonda Pierce Opens Up About Forgiving Her Abusive Pastor Father Through Faith and Christian Counseling

Christian comedian Chonda Pierce, 66, is sharing the deeply personal story of how faith and professional Christian counseling helped her forgive her father for years of childhood abuse. Her testimony is featured in the upcoming documentary "He Calls Me Daughter," set to debut in theaters nationwide March 17 through 18 via Fathom Entertainment.

Pierce, the bestselling female comedian in Christian entertainment with over 35 years of performing, grew up in a pastor's home that appeared stable to outsiders. Behind closed doors, the reality was far different. Her father, who battled what was later diagnosed as bipolar disorder, was unfaithful in his marriage and abusive toward his family.

I don't remember a church my dad ever pastored at that he didn't have a girlfriend.

Pierce described the confusion of watching people come to know the Lord through her father's sermons while witnessing abuse at home. Raised in what she called a "very legalistic denomination where there were lots of 'don'ts,'" she wrestled with deep spiritual questions.

Is God fake? Is God going to disappoint me like this man?

Her healing journey involved extensive Christian counseling, where she wrote "volumes, boxes and boxes" of letters to process her pain. A breakthrough came during a visualization exercise imagining God as a loving Father holding her as an infant.

Your Heavenly Father and your earthly father are nothing alike.

Pierce eventually found peace through understanding that forgiveness was for her own healing, whether the other person accepted it or not. Before her father's death, she told him she was grateful for the good things he did.

How Chonda Pierce Found Healing From Father Wounds Through Her Relationship With God

The documentary "He Calls Me Daughter" also features In N Out Burger heiress Lynsi Snyder, counselor and author Dr. Meg Meeker, and filmmaker Alex Kendrick. Directed by award winning filmmaker Rick Altizer, the film explores how fractured father daughter relationships shape identity and one's view of God.

Many women who have the father hole in their heart don't necessarily know it.

Dr. Meg Meeker

Altizer described the project as a "call to healing," adding that he prays women "go further into mending their wounds." Bill and Tracey Robison developed a six week study guide to accompany the film, helping women identify wounds and invite God into the healing process. More information is available at hecallsmedaughter.org.

The Crusader's Opinion

Chonda Pierce's testimony is a powerful reminder that the church is not immune to the devastation caused by broken men in positions of spiritual authority. Her father stood behind the pulpit preaching salvation while destroying his own family behind closed doors. That kind of hypocrisy inflicts wounds that take decades to heal. But here is the truth that the secular world will never understand: God is not defined by the failures of men who claim His name. Pierce found that truth, and millions of daughters carrying the same invisible scars need to hear it. The church must do better at protecting its children and holding its leaders accountable. No title, no collar, no pulpit should shield anyone from the consequences of abuse.

Take Action

• See "He Calls Me Daughter" in theaters March 17 through 18 via Fathom Entertainment and bring a woman in your life who may need healing. Visit hecallsmedaughter.org for tickets and the six week study guide.
• If you or someone you know is dealing with childhood trauma from a father wound, seek Christian counseling. The American Association of Christian Counselors can help you find a counselor near you at aacc.net.
• Start the conversation at your church about accountability for leaders. Ask your pastor what safeguards are in place to protect children and families from abuse by those in positions of authority.
• Support organizations that protect children and families from abuse. Consider donating to www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support persecuted Christians and vulnerable families worldwide.
• Share Chonda Pierce's story with someone who may be struggling with father wounds. Sometimes knowing you are not alone is the first step toward healing.