We often focus on the actions of man in the process of determining whether real repentance has taken place. However, repentance is much more than this and our understanding of it will make a significant difference in how we look at those who have been called to repentance after crushing others under their authority or power.
Deal With the Elephant: Whose Sin Is It?
I have often heard survivors of abusive leaders in the home and workplace confess their sins and in some way suggest the abuse they are living under is somehow a necessary result of their sin. Do not be distracted by the wiles of the abuser as he projects his sin upon his victim.
Aaron’s Story: Pastor as Predator
I could tell in our discussion that Aaron was the dream employee. After two years of serving in the church, Aaron came home to his wife and shared with her, “I think Pastor Gene has a man-crush on me.”
Lisa’s Story: Leaving Abuse As a Conqueror
"I soon realised something was wrong in my marriage, but I couldn’t put my finger on it." How Lisa, a missionary, found freedom from an abusive husband.
Susie and the Dictator: Assisting an Authoritarian Pastor
Susie's story is not uncommon. Her story is an example of a church work environment that is destructive and extraordinarily complex because highly authoritarian leadership is destructive and extraordinarily complex.
God’s Definition of Leadership: Concentrating on Responsibility Rather than Authority
We look for strong leaders using the world’s standards of leadership . . . not God’s. Elders in Christ's church are called to serve; this is how they are to lead. Jesus served.
The Long-Term View: The Lord is a Refuge for the Oppressed
We see our oppressors (as the Bible calls them) winning the battle. But that is only in the short-term. The LORD is my refuge.
God’s Leaders; Our Leaders
Are we supposed to respect them . . . or challenge them? Leaders are God's and they are ours.
It’s Not an Affair: Clergy-Perpetrated Sexual Abuse of Adults
Jada said she "felt like a prisoner set free" when she left her sexually and spiritually abusive pastor.
Imaging Leadership: When Image is More Important Than Anything
One of the surest ways to kill an organization is to be driven by image. One of the surest ways to identify a toxic leader is to find one driven by image.