When There’s a Bully in the Pulpit

While Scripture calls Christian leaders to be gentle, kind shepherds, there continue to be cases of pastors who dominate their flocks with a heavy hand. How should we understand this issue of “spiritual abuse”? How big of a problem is it?

In this breakout session at TGC23, Mike Kruger explores the definition of spiritual abuse, how it’s often misunderstood, and what steps churches can take to address it.

[mimi-dhbn]

In cases of physical or sexual abuse, the spiritual abuse is quite clear and due process must be initiated, with much supper for victims. When spiritual abuse/ bullying takes place with the defects of domineering, harsh judgement, self grandizement and authority is over the line, it is more difficult to convince a higher level of leadership because it seems more subtle, yet so damaging. What you said about the string of broken relationships stood out to me, because often those just leave the church or are ostracized by speaking out “against authority”. I wish I had left so much earlier because that authority driven legalistic church culture dealt a blow to my children’s faith, especially when as normal teenagers they don’t conform. In my experience the bully Pastor is held up by the many who idolize him, because of his teaching gifts, and because they are “under authority” and so do not speak up. ( or were young like me at the time, and didn’t trust my own perceptions.) I am happy today to be in a grace filled, Word based church, but regret how long I stayed. Many young people’s faith was bankrupted. We pray for redemptive healing for all those. thank you for speaking on this subject.

[susannah]

26 minutes: If you want to be a minister, if you want to be in a position of spiritual authority, the thing that will disqualify you is to be a bully.

[TheDdacus]

This was helpful. I was there in person.

[kimmcdaniel]

It's the Holy Spirit's work to bring about repentance and sactification. Church leaders would do well to remember this.

[fendaman]

Regarding the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill: I agree that Mark Driscoll’s actions were an abuse of authority, but as the podcast progressed it made it seem like abuse of authority is inherent within Reformed theology and Complimentarianism. This is not true.

[lucilabadillo]

Well I'm no preacher I'm no prophet I sure ain't no saint wouldn't want to be, but I am a man a believer in the resurrection of Christ who gave his life so that I could be saved. I do know bullshit when I hear it

[adamjaynes]

““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬


I have yet to find a church that isn't abusive. Stop attending and stop giving them money.

[mcgillstern]

You are not talking about Christians. You're talking about Religion.