The CEO was known to use people's words to turn on them. He would simply lie and justify and blame shift when exhorted. We were concerned that he would simply kick us off the mission then and there and we would be stuck half way around the world from our home. Our children were in their last two months of class time in the mission school. Yet the CEO said he wanted to hear why we were leaving. To us it was asking us to stick our necks out with the possibility of being chopped off.
Abuse Response
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Making a Difference: Research that is Boots on the Ground in Dracula’s Neighborhood
Truly toxic leadership always ends badly. This is a type of leadership distinguished by a lack of humility to see and respond to their own failings. Sure, there are "grey" leaders who might be too harsh or somewhere along the line of narcisissm, but they respond to confrontation with thoughtfulness and a willingness to work on their leadership skills. But toxic leadership does not possess this humility.
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Facing a Terrifying Leader: Choosing When to Leave and When to Stay
To some Christians, the choice of whether to stay under a toxic leader in the home, workplace, or organization is not a question. They may consider leaving, but the go-to is a belief that God has called them to suffer for Christ’s sake. I assure them, their consciences are not bound by Scripture.
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Flesh and Blood and Spiritual Forces
How do we view the world around us? And more specifically, how do we view our “enemies”, particularly those who have abused their authority and deeply wounded those who work under their authority?
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Bowing the Knee to Pharisaism: It Never Goes Well
Pharisaism cannot be mollified. Paul, nor Jesus, ever makes excuses for it. Pharisaic teaching and practice are destructive.
Followership: Obedience to Toxic Leadership
Scripture is full of twists and turns that help us navigate the complexities of our world. One such twist is how Scripture handles "turning the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39). Do we with toxic leaders?
The Heart of [Abusive] Leadership: Becoming leaders with a desire for the good and the capacity to carry it out
When seeking change in an abusive leader, it must be kept in mind that he or she is deeply deceived. And this is why abuse advocates have so little confidence in the abusive leader to change.
Ted’s Story: A Band of Brothers
Ted's story is hard to even start the telling. His story is a call to the church to be the church.
Change Agents: Who Will Stand Up?
In John 9, a healed blind man boldly confronts religious leaders. Unlike his fearful parents, he exemplified courage against toxic authority. This is the story of so many who are intimidated by leaders. Followers who fear loss can be easily manipulated. It is how toxic leaders retain their authority over others.
Jeanie’s Story: Shepherding Abuse Survivors Takes Wisdom
Jeanie endured years of emotional and sexual abuse from her husband Richard, facing neglect and inadequate support from church leaders.