Introducing Magdala Ministries: A Resource for Women Struggling with Sexual Addiction

Jun 11

By Hannah Graham

In the ongoing conversation about the negative effects of pornography and sexual addiction, the focus typically centers around men. Unfortunately, a lot of this attitude stems from preconceived notions that men are only driven by sex while women could care less for it. While these kind of stereotypes about sexuality have damaged both groups in different ways, it has caused women in particular to remain largely overlooked in the contemporary discourse surrounding the challenges and temptations of pornography, masturbation, and sexual addiction. But, the truth is, women wrestle with these things too.

Seeing and experiencing the need for more resources and a change in the dialogue for women, Rachael Gieger decided to start a ministry focused on just that. The beauty and originality of Magdala Ministries is that it focuses on practically providing community through virtual small groups and creating honest resources through their blog and podcast.

A writer of our very own, Rachael answered some questions for us about Magdala Ministries, explaining its origin and purpose, as well as providing encouragement for any of our readers who find themselves battling with this kind of addiction.

YCW: First, what is Magdala Ministries?

Rachael: Magdala is a place of honesty, hope, and healing for women struggling with sexual addiction. We shed light on the uniquely female struggle with things like pornography, masturbation, or other sexual issues. We’re an online platform that offers the chance to join a virtual video chat small group with other women who are in recovery, and publish more resources through our blog and podcast.

YCW: What led you to begin this organization?

R: I struggled through my own addiction to pornography for five years when I was in high school and the beginning of college. I grew incredibly frustrated with the lack of women in the Church who were willing to speak about it, and the lack of resources only ended up increasing my sense of shame. In college, I began speaking about pornography and sexual addiction at different women’s events, and started a confidential support group for women who were struggling. After college, the desire to do something about this issue remained, and I was encouraged to start an online platform.

YCW: What specific resources do you offer for women battling sexual addiction?

R: We have a blog and podcast entirely dedicated to the topic, but we also offer women the chance to enter a small group with other women over a video sharing app. Each group is moderated by a woman who has undergone the journey of recovery herself. The need for community and accountability for women is so deep, and we meet that need in a foundational way through our small groups.

YCW: What do you want our readers to know about sexual addiction?

R: In order for women to become free, all women, whether or not they’ve struggled, need to be a part of the conversation. It’s going to take time to normalize the topic among women the way it’s been normalized for men. Women struggle with sexual addiction for unique reasons, and also suffer from a compounded sense of shame because there’s so few outlets where this conversation is happening. In order for women to find any freedom, they need to feel like this is a uniquely feminine struggle, too, and it’s up to all women to make that feeling of safety happen.

YCW: Do you have words of encouragement for the woman just beginning to face and overcome this addiction?

R: You’re not alone. Not even close. You are also not dirty, hopeless, or cast aside. Someone once told me when I was new to the recovery process: “Lust didn’t attack you because you cannot love. Lust attacked you because your love is meant to change the world.” You are capable of the greatest and deepest of loves because of Jesus, and your struggle with lust and sexual addiction is only evidence of the enemy’s plan to stop you in your tracks. Your heart is deeply good and cannot lose this capability!

YCW: Where can our readers find out more about Magdala?

R: To visit our website with the opportunity to join small groups or read articles, visit www.magdalaministries.org. The Magdala Podcast is also on our website, as well as on YouTube and Spotify (coming soon to Apple Podcasts!). If you’re a woman who has recovered from a struggle with sexual addiction and want to help others on their journey, fill out the form on our site to become a small group leader!

We’re also patron supported to produce our content, so if you’re interested in supporting our mission (and having access to exclusive content), find us on Patreon.

Lastly, we’re available to speak at your event, whether that’s a youth group, conference, or retreat. You can fill out a form on our site to inquire about that, too!