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A church that follows her Head, the Good and Great Shepherd, is a refuge for the flock, a place of green pastures and clear waters, a place of restoration for wounded sheep and most certainly, a place that fights off the wolves. The secular and religious news media have globally exposed the fact that not only are there wolves in the fold, we have, in the name of our God, protected their place among God’s sheep by complicity, cover-up, and deceit. We have protected the institution of shepherding rather than the sheep. This results in untold damage being done to the body of Christ by those who name his name.
The Evil Reality of Spiritual Abuse
In my work as a Christian psychologist, I have walked alongside victims of many kinds of abuse: child sexual abuse, rape, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. The impact of trauma and abuse on a life is profound and long-lasting. I have also worked with Christian leaders who have used their power to control, manipulate, and silence those entrusted to their care. I believe as Christ-followers we are called to wrestle with the issue of abuse in Christian circles, fearlessly facing what is happening and the harm being done to vulnerable and precious people dearly loved by God. Spiritual abuse should be an oxymoron. The word spiritual refers to something affecting a human spirit or soul. Abuse means to mistreat another, to deceive or
do harm. When we use the word spiritual to describe abuse, we are talking about using that which is sacred—including God’s Word—to control, misuse, deceive, or damage a person created in his image. I think we can safely say the pairing of those two words is diabolical. Leaders engaged in spiritual abuse use their position and words to coerce another by manipulating, deceiving, or humiliating them. They say, “God says . . .” followed by words that do not reflect the character of our God. Our God is Light and Truth, yet an authority in the church tells someone who has been raped by a pastor, “We will never discuss this because this is God’s church, and if you tell you will damage his name.” That is what spiritual abuse looks like. The claim of spiritual authority is often used by those with power in the church. We assume pastors, elders, parents, teachers, or youth leaders are trustworthy. Their words are believed to be a reflection of the mind of God because of the position they hold. Orthodox theology, accompanied by advanced academic credentials, can be used to demand obedience of those less knowledgeable. But an ability to articulate theological truths does not mean the speaker is an obedient servant of God.
Serving the System
A church or a denomination is a system. It consists of people standing together under the name of God for the purpose of educating, nurturing, and blessing others spiritually. Systems are meant to benefit and bless. But like individuals, a system can misuse its authority, crushing those in its care. How does a system that claims to be part of the kingdom of God and obedient to God, become toxic? A bright, credentialed, charismatic leader arrives to serve a church body. The church is energized, and people assume
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