Church Disrupted

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran critically review a Mother’s Day sermon from Lake Pointe Church that many say silenced victims of spiritual abuse. We unpack the harmful messages that minimize real pain and why this matters for church accountability and healing. If you care about protecting survivors and calling out spiritual abuse, this conversation is a must-watch.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

Anger is often villified in the church, but what if anger isn’t the enemy, especially when it’s holy and fueled by love. In this video, Jeff Cochran explores why embracing righteous anger is crucial in confronting church abuse and protecting the vulnerable. If you’ve ever been told your anger isn’t “Jesus-like,” this video is for you!Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

Can religious trauma really be contagious in our churches? In this conversation, we dig into how spiritual wounds spread and affect people, often without anyone even realizing it. Whether you’ve been hurt, lead a church, or just want to understand what’s going on, this video breaks down why awareness matters and how we can start healing together. If you care about making churches safer and healthier, this one’s for you.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn about the Disrupt Campaign here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/disruptgivingcampaignLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).Chapters: 00:00 - Intro01:09 - Meet the Experts: Dr. Lisa Compton and Taylor Patterson04:51 - Understanding Compassion Fatigue and Safeguarding07:58 - Challenges of Recognizing and Addressing Religious Trauma10:02 - The Importance of Healing for Helpers30:53 - Boundaries in Ministry40:17 - The Challenge of Problem-Solving Mode51:37 - The Importance of Trauma-Informed Training01:05:28 - Collective and Communal Trauma01:11:55 - Final Thoughts

What can the Church learn from the Dr. Michael Brown investigation? In this honest conversation, Ron Cantor joins the Church Disrupted Podcast to unpack real lessons, challenges, and next steps for church leaders, survivors, and anyone who cares about truth and accountability in the Church. From intent vs. impact to healthy board practices and restoring trust, this episode is all about building safer, more honest communities. Join the conversation below!Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

What happens when those closest to a ministry speak up?In this video, former students and staff from Dr. Michael Brown’s leadership circles share their experiences inside Fire School and BRSM. These aren’t outsiders throwing stones. These are people who believed in the mission, gave years of their lives, and are now telling the truth.Their stories expose what can go wrong when loyalty is demanded, questions are silenced, and image matters more than integrity.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn about the Disrupt campaign here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/disruptgivingcampaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

What really happens behind the scenes in modern churches?In this episode of Church Disrupted, Jeff Cochran is joined by Josh Barbour from The Dad Challenge Podcast for an unfiltered conversation about what it’s like to work inside church systems that prioritize control, image, and brand over people.As two former pastors, Jeff and Josh pull back the curtain on spiritual abuse, staff silencing, leadership idolatry, and the emotional toll of ministry. From NDAs to toxic performance culture, they reveal the secrets churches don’t want talked about — and how we can respond with integrity and truth.

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/...Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here:   / discord  Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/...Check out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:46 - Today's Guest: Josh Barbour

03:22 - From Worship Pastor to Advocating for Change

05:58 - Challenging the Church We Love

08:58 - Going to church for the Wrong Reasons

15:11 - Why Josh left the church world

28:17 - NDAs in Church

39:06 - Spiritual Abuse is a Cancer in the Church

45:00 - Follow the Money Trail

53:30 - Red Flags to Look For

59:22 - Ego & Leadership

1:05:09 - Money Questions

1:17:35 - Final WordsFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

The so-called elder accountability team tasked with reviewing the investigation into Dr. Michael Brown has released their recommendations—and they’ve failed the church, the survivors, and the Bible itself.In this video, we expose how the response twisted Scripture, ignored the investigators, and protected power instead of seeking truth.If this is what “accountability” looks like, we need a new definition.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

When spiritual abuse allegations arise, how a church responds reveals everything.In this video, we break down the public response from House Church Denver and Pastor Brian Kim after 196 witnesses and over 40 pages of documentation called for accountability and independent investigation.Instead of pursuing truth, House Church Denver refused the request, doubled down, and twisted Scripture to protect themselves rather than the flock.We’ll walk through:The actual allegations against House Church Denver leadershipHow biblical accountability is supposed to work (1 Timothy 5, Matthew 18)Why internal investigations never bring real healingHow churches misuse “unity” and “forgiveness” to silence victimsWhy an independent investigation isn’t just wise — it's biblical⛪ Truth matters more than reputation. Jesus cares more about the sheep than the platform.Read the original article from the Roys Report here: https://julieroys.com/denver-pastor-brian-kim-denies-accusations-refuses-hire-investigator/See the petition here: https://housedenveraccountability.com/Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Abuse Allegations01:20 Background on House Church Denver and Pastor Brian Kim04:51 Call for Independent Investigation07:47 Whistleblowers' Standpoint and Petition Details10:31 Analysis of Leadership's Statements13:52 Mediation vs. Investigation 39:49 Twisting Scripture for Convenience40:43 Biblical Context and Misinterpretation42:32 Ephesians 4: A Deeper Dive46:50 Leadership Accountability and Investigation51:19 Elder's Statement and Public Response56:07 Spiritual Bypassing and Gaslighting58:06 Biblical Standards and Accusations01:07:18 Elder Qualifications and Reproach01:14:49 Persecution Complex and Accountability01:18:08 Spiritual Integrity and Oversight01:19:28 Handling Conflict and Concerns01:24:24 Financial Transparency Issues01:26:17 Allegations of Sexual Misconduct01:30:16 Refusal of Independent Investigation01:38:43 Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward01:51:40 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

An independent investigation into Dr. Michael Brown—international revivalist, author, and apologist—has officially found him guilty of inappropriate conduct and sexual misconduct while leading Fire School of Ministry.In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran walks through the entire Firefly Report, analyzing key evidence, inconsistencies in Brown’s responses over time, and what this means for biblical church leadership.

🆘 Need support or want to read the full Firefly report?Visit: https://mock-askdrbrown.cdn.prismic.io/mock-askdrbrown/aAKvSuvxEdbNPPAi_FireflyReport.pdf❤️ Help us keep this work going:Become a monthly donor: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/disruptgivingcampaignFind out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Why this matters for the Church01:45 - What actually happened with Dr. Michael Brown?03:40 - Dr. Brown’s original statement clip & narrative control06:10 - Summary of the Firefly Investigation methodology10:00 - Two primary cases: Sarah Monk & “Survivor #1”13:30 - How Fire School of Ministry enforced strict rules on students16:00 - The hypocrisy of leadership vs. student discipline20:00 - “Spiritual fatherhood” used to justify inappropriate closeness24:00 - Sarah’s experiences: hotel rooms, personal favors, kissing28:00 - Staff attempts to confront Brown internally (and his retaliation)32:00 - Physical misconduct: swatting, kissing, and power imbalance35:00 - Shifting stories: How Brown’s narrative changed over time40:00 - Emotional affair & failure to confess publicly43:00 - Analysis: Legal and ethical violations in the workplace47:00 - Discrepancies across decades of emails and testimony50:00 - Patterns of spiritual abuse, blame-shifting, and secrecy54:00 - Firefly’s final conclusions on sexual misconduct57:00 - Why Brown’s actions meet the definition of spiritual abuse59:00 - The I Disrupt Campaign — how you can help fight spiritual abuse1:01:00 - Final takeaways: coverups, lack of repentance, accountability1:04:00 - Biblical qualifications for elders vs. Brown’s behavior1:12:00 - Conclusion: The Church must choose character over charismaDisclaimer:The information presented in this video is based on the 2025 Firefly report commissioned by The Line of Fire – Dr. Michael Brown Ministries, Inc. The term “guilty of misconduct” reflects the conclusions reached by an independent third-party investigation that found Dr. Brown’s actions to be inappropriate and disqualifying for ministry leadership, according to ethical and biblical standards. No criminal charges have been filed, and the use of the word “guilty” does not imply legal guilt. This video is part of Church Disrupted’s ongoing mission to inform the public, support victims of spiritual abuse, and hold church leaders to biblical standards of accountability.Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

This is a Holy Week replay of one of our most important episodes from the Church Disrupted podcast (Originally Released Easter 2024 as episode 29.)In a season where churches celebrate resurrection and redemption, we pause to ask:What happens when people walk away from church—not because of unbelief, but because of abuse?And why do we still believe so strongly in the Church after the hurt and abuse we have seen?In this episode, the crew explores the tension between church hurt, spiritual abuse, and the hope of Holy Week. We talk about:The pushback we’ve received for speaking up.What’s really at stake when the church avoids hard conversations.Stories of pain, loss, and healing.Why calling out sin is not division—it’s discipleship.And how we can still love the Church while demanding accountability.Whether you're in a place of deconstruction, recovery, or rebuilding your faith, this conversation is for you.🕊 Originally aired Easter season 2024 — replayed now by request.👂 Listen. Share. Discuss. And if you’re ready to help build something better... stick around.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).