Another thing you might do shakesphere is send a note anonymously to the individual who preaches and see if that individual can include that kind of challenge when they give their talk in front of the church members.

Personally, I think you have had a kind of break through where you have made a connection from what happened to you at age 10 and how that might be connected with how you react when others approach you a certain way. I think as the article has said, "name it to tame it" is important to finally understanding "self" better.