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.
Christian Organization
Complicity: Holding Places of Prominence
Those who make themselves complicit with toxic leadership will often do so due to fear of loss of prominence or privilege. A great example is found in Esther's story.
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 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.
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.
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.
Consider It Joy [In Time]! Weeping With Those Who Weep
"Consider it joy! It will make you stronger." Yes, the Bible tells me so. But it so often seems so callous for someone to remind me of it. Rather, Weep.
Repentance and Restitution: Giving Feet to Confession
Biblical repentance is difficult to understand. The word is used freely as though everyone gets it. But identifying the actual repentant heart is not so easy. Restitution can help.