Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse

Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse

Author: Lisa Oakley

Publisher: SPCK

Published: 2019-06-20

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 0281081328

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'Authority and rigour ... great generosity and gentleness. The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it.' Andrew Graystone, theologian, broadcaster and communications consultant ‘Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture... I couldn’t argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.’ The term ‘spiritual abuse’ is widely used across the Christian community. But what is it? Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence. Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys describe clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible. But – how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing? Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.


Breaking the Silence on Spiritual Abuse

Breaking the Silence on Spiritual Abuse

Author: L. Oakley

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2013-10-17

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 1137282878

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Providing a balance of empirical research and practical concerns, this book explores the definitions and historical context of spiritual abuse, outlines a process model for the different stages of spiritual abuse and includes strategies for therapists working with survivors of spiritual abuse.


The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Author: David Johnson

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2005-10-01

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 1441202420

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In a breakthrough book first published in 1991, the authors address the dynamics in churches that can ensnare people in legalism, guilt, and begrudging service, keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom.Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery.


Something's Not Right

Something's Not Right

Author: Wade Mullen

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 1496444701

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"A beacon of truth and wisdom for the abused and a help in their healing." --Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer, authors of A Church Called Tov "Reading this book . . . will change you forever, for the better." --Rachael Denhollander, speaker, victim advocate, and author of What Is a Girl Worth? "Sincerely thoughtful, incredibly practical, and truly compassionate book on abusive systems and the consequences of cover-ups." --Christina Edmondson, PhD, cohost of Truth's Table podcast "Am I the only one who sees this--am I just imagining things? Is something wrong with me . . . or could this be abuse?" Maybe you don't know for sure: all you know is something feels off when you think about a certain relationship or interaction with an institution or organization. You feel alone and confused--but calling it "abuse" feels extreme and unsettling, a label for what happens to other people but not you. Yet you can't shake the feeling: something's not right. In his debut book, researcher and advocate Wade Mullen introduces us to the groundbreaking world of impression management--the strategies that individuals and organizations utilize to gain power and cover up their wrongdoings. Mullen reveals a pattern that accompanies many types of abuse, almost as if abusers are somehow reading from the same playbook. If we can learn to decode these evil methods--if we can learn the language of abuse--we can help stop the cycle and make abusers less effective at accomplishing destruction in our lives. Something's Not Right will help you to identify and describe tactics that were previously unidentifiable and indescribable, and give you the language you need to move toward freedom and create a safer future for yourself and others.


Trauma-Informed Evangelism

Trauma-Informed Evangelism

Author: Charles Kiser

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 2023-04-11

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 1467466034

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“We are at the forefront of a new reformation.” So declares Elaine Heath in Trauma-Informed Evangelism, aiming to recover the God of love from the structures of hate that pervade Christian communities in America today. In their new guide, she and Charles Kiser work toward bringing this reformation to fruition through ministering specifically to the spiritually traumatized. Over the course of their study, Kiser and Heath amplify the voices of those who suffered misogynistic, racist, or homophobic abuse at the hands of the church. While carefully listening to these stories, Kiser and Heath bring them into conversation with the passion and resurrection of Jesus. Engaging with womanist and liberation theology, they see in the crucifixion a God who does not valorize suffering but shares the experience of the traumatized. Ultimately, this theodicy leads them to propose a new evangelism—one based not on fear and coercion but on witnessing the unconditional love of God. Timely, theologically informed, and eminently practical, Trauma-Informed Evangelism will serve as a formative guide for church leaders and students seeking to aid trauma survivors in their communities. Discussion questions conclude each chapter.


Understanding Spiritual Abuse

Understanding Spiritual Abuse

Author: Karen Roudkovski

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Published: 2024-08-01

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13: 1430083697

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Spiritual abuse is a widespread—and often misunderstood—issue. Church leaders may not understand how spiritual abuse manifests and spreads; meanwhile, the impact of spiritual abuse can be devastating to victims, damaging their relationships with themselves, the church, and God. In Understanding Spiritual Abuse: What It Is and How to Respond, professor and licensed counselor Karen Roudkovski offers wisdom, clarity, and hope for those seeking to understand the nature of spiritual abuse and how to heal. Based on her extensive research and clinical experience, Roudkovski explains: What spiritual abuse is, how the term arose, and what makes it distinct. Methods for assessing whether spiritual abuse has occurred, including instructions for the Spiritual Abuse Assessment (9781430086970). The tactics of spiritual abusers, including control, grooming, deception, and lack of accountability. The trauma of spiritual abuse, encompassing spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational harm. Suggestions for spiritual abuse recovery for therapists, survivors, and helpers. Recommendations for how churches can establish spiritually safe communities. Roudkovski's Understanding Spiritual Abuse is an essential resource for survivors, church leaders, and mental health professionals. Roudkovski provides a counseling overview of the topic while practically guiding leaders to create safe and supportive environments for victims to recover and rebuild from spiritual abuse and its devastating impact.


Healing Spiritual Abuse

Healing Spiritual Abuse

Author: Ken M. Blue

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 1993-09-10

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 9780830816606

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Asserting that spiritual abuse in the church is more common than we realize, Ken Blue examines the causes of spiritual abuse, identifies abusive patterns, offers healing to those who have suffered abuse and describes how leaders should model the gospel of grace.


Bully Pulpit

Bully Pulpit

Author: Michael J Kruger

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2022-11-08

Total Pages: 187

ISBN-13: 0310136393

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Are churches looking for the wrong kind of leaders? The last decade has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual abuse--harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn. Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who don't abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently. But we can't ignore the growing number who do not. We have tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us against. We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how to handle it in the church. "Every Christian from pulpit to pew needs to read this wise and timely work." - Karen Swallow Prior "Both urgent and timely." - Sam Storms "Thoughtful, wise, and biblical." - Mark Vroegop


Walking Out of Spiritual Abuse

Walking Out of Spiritual Abuse

Author: Marc A. Dupont

Publisher: Regal Books

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 9781852402198

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This book targets the problem of abusive churches, which exist because of the potential for sin in all of us. The author takes a sobering look at potential problems and reveals the answers to those seeking to escape the abuse of power and authority in the Church.


Just Leadership

Just Leadership

Author: Simon Barrington

Publisher: SPCK

Published: 2021-09-16

Total Pages: 271

ISBN-13: 0281085609

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'Read this book, and then rethink everything else.' Danielle Strickland 'A feast of insight and reflection on what just leadership should look like.' The Rt Reverend Dr Jonathan Gibbs 'This book will change the way you lead.' The Rt Reverend Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Penrith 'A book that should be on the shelves of every leader today.' The Reverend Will van der Hart From #MeToo scandals to revelations of spiritual abuse atrocities in the Church, we've watched too many leaders let us down. What went wrong for these leaders? And more importantly, how can we get it right? Just Leadership offers advice and guidance to empower leaders everywhere to make a difference and answer the call for a fairer, more transparent, more equal society. Drawing on their combined decades of experience in leadership and safeguarding, Justin Humphreys and Simon Barrington explore what it means for a leader to be just, and provide practical ways improve your leadership skills and create a just and open environment. Across the world, there is a heart cry for justice - but often the fight is too focused on the wider cause, bypassing conversations about individual leaders across our churches, organisations, charities and communities. Just Leadership is for every leader - whether you are in Church or other Christian leadership, business or professional leadership or even a leader within your local community - who wants to build their skills and start leading the way to a better future.