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.
justice
Gossip, Slander, and Reporting Abuse: Pushing Back on Poor Exegesis
One of the most hideous beliefs crushing abuse survivors within our Christian communities is that the ratting out of abusive leadership in the home or workplace is gossip or slander.
Spreading Like a Tree: Grace to Rescue the Innocent
Forgive and forget. Don't judge. Remember we are all sinners. There are actually times when grace means to pronounce judgment and bring accountability.
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.
Touch Not the Lord’s Anointed: Respect and Accountability
Is a church leader, by nature of the office he holds, the "Lord's anointed" as David calls King Saul in 2 Samuel 1:14?
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.
Strange Fire: Holding Leaders Accountable
Bad leaders are held to account by the Lord and His people are called to hold them accountable for their failures where they have that ability.
Advocating: Our Necessary Compassion
To be silent is sin. When you know there is oppression, compassion requires advocacy.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Emily’s Story
Emily joined the African mission work because it "sounded good. It was the way we should be helping." But all that glitters is not gold...
Mia’s Story: A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break
Mia suffered under a leadership that was more concerned about following their church rules than the love of Christ. Their spiritual abuse was worse than her experiences of sexual abuses.