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.
We look for strong leaders using the world’s standards of leadership . . . not God’s. Elders in Christ's church are called to serve; this is how they are to lead. Jesus served.
Amber, a young adult, was committed to church. She loved the fellowship and teaching. Then something happened.
"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.
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.
Those who are honored to hear an abuse victim's story need to hear Job's story. They need to hear his words . . . and they need to hear his friends' words.
Michael and Kate realized the abuse of power by bullying, control, using the scriptures to condemn, shunning, and slander had been going on for a long time.
Part 2: It has been two years since the Williams left Peace Community Church. Blame-shifting and isolating, Kate's pastor has deeply hurt many in leadership.
It has been two years since the Williams left Peace Community Church. You either confront the abuse, or you enable and embolden it. Silence only serves the abuser. Sin grows in the dark.
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.