One of the most hideous beliefs crushing abuse survivors within our Christian communities is that the ratting out of abusive leadership in the home or workplace is gossip or slander.

“The exercise of authority is designed to serve the well-being of those under its care,” says Timothy Witmer. That seems basic to the Christian, and yet how many bosses view their leadership this way?

Godly grief = Repentance..."worldly" grief not so much.

The fear that many experience as they come face-to-face with an abusive leader can create different reactions. Psychologists often talk of “fight, flight, or freeze” reflexes. God has given us a built-in mechanism in our brain that helps us respond to dangerous situations – physical or emotional. An understanding of what is happening in the brain when faced with trauma is opening fascinating avenues of healing.

We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” according to David. However, we live in a time of strange in-betweenness! Trauma creates broken brains.

When Steven joined a large Christian parachurch organization he was excited to be in an influential position to spread God’s Word. He was warned that the organization was “dysfunctional” and it only took a short time for the dysfunction to catch up to him.

Forgive and forget. Don't judge. Remember we are all sinners. There are actually times when grace means to pronounce judgment and bring accountability. This podcast looks at Psalm 37 and David's challenging words to help survivors remember God is on their side.

We often focus on man's actions in determining whether genuine repentance has taken place. However, repentance is much more than this and our understanding of it will make a significant difference in how we look at those called to repentance after crushing others under their authority or power.

I have often heard survivors of abusive leaders in the home and workplace confess their sins and in some way suggest the abuse they are living under is somehow a necessary result of their sin. Do not be distracted by the wiles of the abuser as he projects his sin upon his victim.

I could tell in our discussion that Aaron was the dream employee. But, after two years of serving in the church, Aaron came home to his wife and shared with her, “I think Pastor Gene has a man-crush on me.”