This end-of-year episode pulls together everything we’ve exposed throughout 2025 about pastors. It isn’t to relive the damage, but to show how predictable abusive leadership really is. We walk through the repeated patterns of spiritual abuse in churches we’ve seen: unquestionable authority, emotional manipulation, spiritual fear, loyalty tests, and relentless image protection. Using clips, scripture, and real conversations, we demonstrate how the same blueprint keeps resurfacing across churches, pastors, and platforms, and why recognizing it matters. We also talk about how Jesus leads very differently, offering grace, truth, and freedom rather than fear and control. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you experienced was “just your church,” we pray this 2025 wrap-up episode brings clarity, courage, and relief.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10 ESV

Last Week: 

Hijacked Grace: How Pentecostal Pastors Redefine the Gospel to Maintain Power - EP117

Playlists:

Full Podcast Playlist⁠ - Youtube

Holiness Standards

The Church Building

Examining Pentecostalism

The “MOG” (Man of God)

All About The Money

Abuse In The Pulpit

Addressing NAYC Comments

FEAR!!! FEAR!!! FEAR!!!

Show Links:
Spiritual Gag Orders: How Abusive Leaders Keep You Quiet - EP84

The Untouchable Pastor Myth: A Breakdown of ‘Touch Not Mine Anointed’ - EP69

Growing Up in Fear: How Legalistic Church Systems Harm Young People - EP72

Pastor Worship Exposed: Idols in the Pentecostal Pulpit - EP68

“Stay in Alignment — or Else!” | How Cult Churches Weaponize ‘Submission’ - EP88

Questioning Your Church? 5 Signs It Could Be Unhealthy with Ralph Brickley - EP78

Pastor or Master | The Abusive Demands of the Pentecostal MOG – EP111

“I’ll Sic the Devil On You!” | How Cult Churches Weaponize ‘Honor’ - EP87

Torn to Pieces: When Pentecostal “Pastors” Prey on the Vulnerable - EP89

Modern Moses: Do You Need “The Pastor” to Get to Heaven? - EP67

Clips:

Mary Wilson - “I’ll sic the devil on you!”

Wesley Jackson - “MOG mishandling finances?”

Nathaniel Urshan - “do what you’re told!”

Gentry Mangun - “don’t doubt God’s messenger”

Cortt Chavis - “cut off your escape route”

Matthew Tuttle - “they are liars!”

Jared Marks - “out of alignment”

Steve Fackler - “polish pastor’s shoes”

Audley Castro - “drive a stake in their heart”

Colton Carroll - “between you and wolves”

Robert Tisdale - “don’t embarrass me again”

Nathaniel Urshan - “I’m the pastor”

Wesley Jackson - “don’t put your opinion on it”

Nathaniel Haney - “pastors aren’t perfect”

Resources:

DivideTheWord.blog

Responsible Faith - YouTube

Spiritualabuse.org
B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Website 

B.I.T.E. Model ⁠Free PDF
Book: Toxic Faith

Book: The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Books: Pagan Christianity? Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices

Book: Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism

Book: Free: From Legalism to Grace

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and commentary purposes, offering biblical critique and theological analysis based on personal opinion and publicly available material, without alleging illegal activity or defaming individuals or organizations. Portions of copyrighted content may be used under Fair Use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for criticism and education, and rights holders are encouraged to contact us with any concerns.