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.
Abuse
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.
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.
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.
What is Real Repentance: a Biblical Change of Heart
We often focus on the actions of man in the process of determining whether real repentance has taken place. However, repentance is much more than this and our understanding of it will make a significant difference in how we look at those who have been called to repentance after crushing others under their authority or power.
Deal With the Elephant: Whose Sin Is It?
I have often heard survivors of abusive leaders in the home and workplace confess their sins and in some way suggest the abuse they are living under is somehow a necessary result of their sin. Do not be distracted by the wiles of the abuser as he projects his sin upon his victim.
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.
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.
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.
My Close Friends Have Forgotten Me: Isolating Victims
One particular result (and technique) of abuse is isolation. It is deeply hurtful. And it is almost always, in my experience, a result of or intentional tool in the abusive individual's kit.