Leaders may begin well. The LORD has given them vision for the organization they have been tasked with leading. But, in time they begin to drink the koolaid of power and self-sufficiency.
Accountability
The Slide Into Toxic Leadership 1: The Story of Jeroboam, King of Israel
Toxic leadership almost always involves heightened anxiety caused by a fear of losing status or a position of leadership resulting in anger, defensiveness, and blame-shifting when confronted.
Saul’s False Apology: Seeking Repentance from an Abuser
What do you do with an apology from an abusive leader? Real apologies are rare due to inner evil. But we are not omniscient so give it time.
The Sin of [Bystander] Complicity: Toxic Followership in the Workplace
It is a sin to fail to act against abuse. Unfortunately, it is all too common for bystanders in the workplace to stand by the abuser. Standing up for victims is essential, despite fears and pressures.
The Gods Have Come Down: The Temptations of Praise
What happens down, deep within you when your subordinates, or even friends, begin to praise your holy name? Does your heart rise up and meet their praises with praises of its own? Does your heart congratulate itself and take on new proportions?
Making Too Much of Toxic Church Leadership?
A blogger argues that the focus on bad pastors and their abusive leadership in the Christian community might have been overdone and could overshadow the more common existence of good pastors. I disagree. Churches and Christians are called to judge inside their ranks and expose pastoral abuse when it occurs. The Bible calls for greater accountability for church leaders and warns against tolerating abusive practices in leadership.
Individual Responsibility: But I was raised that way!
The article deliberates on the topic of abusive leaders who learned harmful behaviors from childhood. While some might give such individuals a pass due to their upbringing, the emphasis is that everyone is accountable for their actions, irrespective of their background. Abusers hold responsibility for their actions and must seek repentance and transformation. Christian teachings underscore this principle of individual accountability, urging people to reject oppressive behaviors, even if learned from authority figures or role models.
Rachel’s Story: Tenacious Pursuit of Justice
When Rachel Black was struggling to make sense of her abusive pastor, there was no Christianity Today Mars Hill podcasts and seemingly no books on how an employee in a church is to respond to such disregard. All she knew was the "hairs on her arms stood up" as she sought to understand her boss.
Lisa’s Victory: A Missionary Horror Story
She knew that God was calling her to be a missionary. His seeming commitment to Christ and a future as a missionary "touched" her and they were married. But he can no longer harm Lisa.
Ben and Casandra’s Story: Grieving Loss Under Toxic Leadership
It was a very good two years working for a mission college. Now they grieve the loss of what they had in Africa.