As my friends and I discussed John 11, I was struck by verses 47 and 48. These couple sentences are so appropo for those who have faced abuse in any setting. The term "Crazy-Making" is often used to describe this infurtiating experience. Jesus has just raised his friend, Lazarus from the dead. And yet, this is what the chief priests and Pharisees said!
Trauma
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.
A Covenant of Peace: When the Lord Banishes Toxic Leadership
Toxic leadership affects many, but a future promise exists when the Lord will eradicate such leadership and provide true care.
Job’s Counselors: The Misuse of Spiritual Influence
The book of Job highlights misguided counseling of abuse victims rooted in black-and-white beliefs, instead of comprehensive biblical theology. Remember,buse victims are never at fault for the abuse they experience.
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.
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.
Silencing Victims in the Church: Kayla and Amber’s Story
Amber, a young adult, was committed to church. She loved the fellowship and teaching. Then something happened.
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.
Giving Leaders a Free Pass: The Story of Praise
Having spent nearly a decade working for a mission college in Africa, I have a keen interest in African leadership. When I spoke with Praise (not his real name), he shared his own experience with leadership abuse in the African nation in which he grew up.