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Can the Bible be used to justify abuse?
In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we conclude our series on unhealthy churches, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma with author, theologian, and abuse expert Steve Tracy.
Steve shares decades of experience helping churches understand abuse, respond wisely to victims, and avoid the misuse of Scripture that often protects abusers instead of the vulnerable.
Topics include:
How common abuse is inside churches
We also discuss Steve's ministry work throughout East Africa, where churches are being equipped to care for trauma survivors and bring healing in some of the world's most difficult circumstances.
Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, survivor of abuse, or simply someone seeking a healthier understanding of biblical authority, this conversation offers practical wisdom, theological clarity, and genuine hope.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Mending the Soul
If this episode is helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with others.
Learn more: https://determinetruth.com
In this episode of the Determine Truth Podcast, we continue our series on toxic church culture, spiritual abuse, and unhealthy leadership by examining how churches sometimes protect institutions, reputations, and leaders instead of victims.
We discuss the Southern Baptist Convention abuse scandals, church accountability structures, Christian nationalism, complementarianism, and several high-profile examples involving church leaders and abuse allegations.
We also examine several frequently cited Bible passages that are often used in discussions about abuse, including:
• Malachi 2 ("God hates divorce")
Along the way, we ask important questions:
What happens when churches prioritize reputation over victims?
This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, church abuse, spiritual abuse, and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
Resources Mentioned
Determine Truth Ministries exists to equip the church to be the church through biblical teaching, theological education, and pastoral training around the world.
Learn more: https://determinetruth.com
#SpiritualAbuse #ChurchAbuse #SouthernBaptist #ChristianNationalism #JohnMacArthur #JohnPiper #ChurchLeadership #BiblicalJustice #ToxicChurch #DetermineTruthPodcast
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
What happens when the place that was supposed to feel spiritually safe becomes the source of deep pain?
In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we continue our conversation on religious trauma, spiritual abuse, PTSD, and moral injury with licensed trauma clinician Eric Winton.
Together, we explore:
The difference between church hurt, religious trauma, and moral injury
This is an honest, nuanced, and compassionate conversation for:
Pastors and church leaders
If this conversation resonates with you, know this: you are not weak, crazy, or alone. Healing is possible.
📌 Guest: Eric Winton Counseling
👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help more people find these conversations.
#ChurchTrauma #SpiritualAbuse #PTSD #MentalHealth #Christianity #TraumaHealing #BiblicalCounseling #Therapy #ChurchHealth #DetermineTruthPodcast
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https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
Can church experiences cause real trauma?
In this episode of the Determine Truth Podcast, we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Eric Winton to discuss the growing conversation surrounding church trauma, spiritual abuse, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, and mental health within Christian spaces.
Eric brings both clinical expertise and years of pastoral ministry experience to this conversation as we explore:
What trauma actually is
This episode is honest, compassionate, and deeply important for pastors, church leaders, ministry workers, counselors, and anyone navigating spiritual hurt or trauma.
Guest: Eric Winton, LMFT
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on theology, church health, biblical studies, and difficult issues facing the modern church.
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
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https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
#BiblePodcast #TheologyPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudyPodcast #BiblicalTruth #FaithPodcast #politics #ChristianNationalism #suffering #thechurch #paul #timothy #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #Teaching #theWord #Communion #pastors #missions #women #complementarian #egalitarian #authority #colossians #presbyterian #housechurch
In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we continue our important conversation on abuse in the church—focusing on power dynamics, safeguarding, and how churches can become truly safe environments.
What happens when leadership power is misused? How can churches protect the vulnerable while still fostering trust and community? And what practical steps can leaders take today to prevent abuse before it happens?
We explore:
Why power differentials matter—and why ignoring them is dangerous
This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply needed for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who cares about the health of the Church.
If we want to reflect Christ well, we must be willing to confront hard truths—and take real action.
Listen now and join the movement to equip the Church to be the Church.
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.
https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
#ChurchLeadership #SpiritualAbuse #ChurchSafety #Safeguarding #ChristianPodcast #PastoralCare #AbusePrevention #ChurchAccountability #FaithAndLeadership #HealthyChurch
Rob and Vinnie continue their series on Church Health, this time engaging the DIFFICULT conversation of s3xu@l abuse within the church and within church systems.
We bring back our friend Somer Ransom to discuss her experience as a church practitioner and what she’s learned about this subject over the years. What is the appropriate way for opposite-gender Christians to engage? Is the “Billy Graham Rule” the 11th Commandment? Has the Evangelical Church wrongly identified the David and Bathsheba situation as “adultery” when it should be considered rape? What does GROOMING look like within the church? How often does the church “victim shame”?
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
Great Resources on the topic of Creating Healthy Churches
Documentary
https://www.forourdaughtersfilm.com/
GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment)
https://www.netgrace.org/
A Church Called Tov (Scot McKnight)
https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4lBAQzf3oJglpTj_7R8NbAeOg0H2oH4CTgx81Cm9okZZVtD9VFcS1uSUfVV2EQm5KZL1himBpHsyFB4D_Gifo4cf1QusTB-POg2TVGG7LdGmQvQa0IB928VE-Lzebn0QaYbWTVGVFLpXeUIBI_xAwisMWdvmpzjWJxaEPeX_KDzkLcEidFqxV9x2KN137nu9_VqW_lpT5_tSt6oq8-Jdy9yqaU0SHRxzumNuhx47RWQ.FqeuaDuA2RxUSi8NLD1Eu9aVNCvxijZDHQxchJMDJm0&qid=1772398542&sr=8-1
Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power (Wade Mullens)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496444701/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=DfllH&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=0KK0SC6CEWNJ2Q64975X&pd_rd_wg=GCNhP&pd_rd_r=79c691b9-0dac-456b-bda2-afdb8d5268e5
When Narcissism Comes to Church (Chuck DeGroat)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514005093/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zdSwU&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=WKKWWGSF6Y2GYRHQ8926&pd_rd_wg=mFZQA&pd_rd_r=a6182de3-e16f-4416-9ef7-e30aa5043369
When the Church Harms God’s People (Diane Langberg)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587436450/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=uVPPK&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=CAM1FBFN0J7Y0RS0HF0V&pd_rd_wg=KaJ0d&pd_rd_r=a0246e35-7d3f-4feb-89db-facae6fa4a8a
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.
https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)
#megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch
Rob and Vinnie continue their series on Church Health, discussing Christians and Politics.
In this special episode, the DT Pod replays a livestream from April 2024 with preeminent NT scholar, Dr. Michael Bird. In this interview, they discusses his book, "Jesus and the Powers." Explore the dynamic relationship between the church and the state, delving into timely insights on faith and governance. With Bird's expertise and prolific authorship, this conversation promises to offer illuminating perspectives on the role of the church in contemporary society.
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
Great Resources on the topic of Creating Healthy Churches
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (NT Wright & Michael Bird)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310162246/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=3sqJa&content-id=amzn1.sym.9986c774-1242-403d-ae9e-f3251eb87773&pf_rd_p=9986c774-1242-403d-ae9e-f3251eb87773&pf_rd_r=5B404QG2HGSM58Z5NB33&pd_rd_wg=PKnk3&pd_rd_r=cbfe0eff-c830-4100-b1cf-4be3b87aab21
Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government (Michael Bird)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310538882/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=tMMGN&content-id=amzn1.sym.9986c774-1242-403d-ae9e-f3251eb87773&pf_rd_p=9986c774-1242-403d-ae9e-f3251eb87773&pf_rd_r=RXWQBMVC2Q6JNR9BPQSG&pd_rd_wg=nvqj3&pd_rd_r=1b4cde0b-27a7-46c3-8a49-26bd3e5397a7
A Church Called Tov (Scot McKnight)
https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4lBAQzf3oJglpTj_7R8NbAeOg0H2oH4CTgx81Cm9okZZVtD9VFcS1uSUfVV2EQm5KZL1himBpHsyFB4D_Gifo4cf1QusTB-POg2TVGG7LdGmQvQa0IB928VE-Lzebn0QaYbWTVGVFLpXeUIBI_xAwisMWdvmpzjWJxaEPeX_KDzkLcEidFqxV9x2KN137nu9_VqW_lpT5_tSt6oq8-Jdy9yqaU0SHRxzumNuhx47RWQ.FqeuaDuA2RxUSi8NLD1Eu9aVNCvxijZDHQxchJMDJm0&qid=1772398542&sr=8-1
Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power (Wade Mullens)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496444701/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=DfllH&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=0KK0SC6CEWNJ2Q64975X&pd_rd_wg=GCNhP&pd_rd_r=79c691b9-0dac-456b-bda2-afdb8d5268e5
When Narcissism Comes to Church (Chuck DeGroat)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514005093/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zdSwU&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=WKKWWGSF6Y2GYRHQ8926&pd_rd_wg=mFZQA&pd_rd_r=a6182de3-e16f-4416-9ef7-e30aa5043369
When the Church Harms God’s People (Diane Langberg)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587436450/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=uVPPK&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=CAM1FBFN0J7Y0RS0HF0V&pd_rd_wg=KaJ0d&pd_rd_r=a0246e35-7d3f-4feb-89db-facae6fa4a8a
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse (David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen)
https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse-Manipulation/dp/0764201379/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gamBi63TclRIVPBxTv-pRuqjLaCH6zHxJg7mfafeeNQBvHmjWjEtqqHFSIN_1Lj7VWyTfWk3PpybZzNXngB61PQXnxSnfqwfEiGYLvolpnFi8EasbYpnJqtfKUbkk1ARz_KF4VVFTdbEaBTGSwwcfvaeU3_MIi3li7ZZ6--eqBOXWaM4f-sakjMeasOH23AhwB4GO4BQg8ffW7LrDWqxeqz_wcKGtWdyDGGWo8G8ixw.QTPRygGaPdlSZ2GR8GtEyG3rlxVNoI9q-tRr0tjybsI&qid=1773085465&sr=1-1
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.
https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)
#megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch
#BiblePodcast #TheologyPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudyPodcast #BiblicalTruth #FaithPodcast #politics #ChristianNationalism #suffering #thechurch #paul #timothy #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #Teaching #theWord #Communion #pastors #missions #women #complementarian #egalitarian #authority #colossians #presbyterian #housechurch
Rob and Vinnie continue their series on Church Health, discussing Christians and Politics. In this episode, they survey the various theological positions regarding how the Church should engage with the State and Politics.
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
Five Views on the Church and Politics
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (NT Wright & Michael Bird)
Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government (Michael Bird)
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.
https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)
#megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch
#BiblePodcast #TheologyPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudyPodcast #BiblicalTruth #FaithPodcast #politics #ChristianNationalism #suffering #thechurch #paul #timothy #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #Teaching #theWord #Communion #pastors #missions #women #complementarian #egalitarian #authority #colossians #presbyterian #housechurch
Rob and Vinnie continue their series on Church Health…and sometimes the lack thereof.
What happens when politics overly influences the local church (on the right OR the left)?!?!?! What does it look like to be an American Christian in the church and be centered around Jesus instead of our political tribes?
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
Great Resources on the topic of Creating Healthy Churches
Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just (Timothy Keller)
Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation (David French)
The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church (Gregory Boyd)
I Pledge Allegiance: A Believer's Guide to Kingdom Citizenship in Twenty-First-Century America (David Crump)
Before You Vote: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask (David Platt)
How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? (Jonathan Leeman)
A Church Called Tov (Scot McKnight)
Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power (Wade Mullens)
When Narcissism Comes to Church (Chuck DeGroat)
When the Church Harms God’s People (Diane Langberg)
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse (David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen)
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.
https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)
#megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch
Rob and Vinnie continue their series on Church Health…and sometimes the lack thereof.
We have a return guest, our friend Somer Ransom, who shares perspectives on ways that women are often harmed within toxic church systems.
This is part of a multi-episode conversation where we talk about cultivating a healthy church environment and how to understand church hurt and church abuse.
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com
Great Resources on the topic of Creating Healthy Churches
Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? (Timothy Keller)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PQ9DSHF/?bestFormat=true&k=forgive%20time%20keller&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-v2_k0_1_12_de&crid=1XUHTNIDQ6OST&sprefix=forgive%20time
A Church Called Tov (Scot McKnight)
https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4lBAQzf3oJglpTj_7R8NbAeOg0H2oH4CTgx81Cm9okZZVtD9VFcS1uSUfVV2EQm5KZL1himBpHsyFB4D_Gifo4cf1QusTB-POg2TVGG7LdGmQvQa0IB928VE-Lzebn0QaYbWTVGVFLpXeUIBI_xAwisMWdvmpzjWJxaEPeX_KDzkLcEidFqxV9x2KN137nu9_VqW_lpT5_tSt6oq8-Jdy9yqaU0SHRxzumNuhx47RWQ.FqeuaDuA2RxUSi8NLD1Eu9aVNCvxijZDHQxchJMDJm0&qid=1772398542&sr=8-1
Something's Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power (Wade Mullens)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496444701/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=DfllH&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=0KK0SC6CEWNJ2Q64975X&pd_rd_wg=GCNhP&pd_rd_r=79c691b9-0dac-456b-bda2-afdb8d5268e5
When Narcissism Comes to Church (Chuck DeGroat)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514005093/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zdSwU&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=WKKWWGSF6Y2GYRHQ8926&pd_rd_wg=mFZQA&pd_rd_r=a6182de3-e16f-4416-9ef7-e30aa5043369
When the Church Harms God’s People (Diane Langberg)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587436450/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=uVPPK&content-id=amzn1.sym.476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_p=476b1b7d-c787-4147-8a3c-fdef209103a1&pf_rd_r=CAM1FBFN0J7Y0RS0HF0V&pd_rd_wg=KaJ0d&pd_rd_r=a0246e35-7d3f-4feb-89db-facae6fa4a8a
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse (David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen)
https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse-Manipulation/dp/0764201379/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gamBi63TclRIVPBxTv-pRuqjLaCH6zHxJg7mfafeeNQBvHmjWjEtqqHFSIN_1Lj7VWyTfWk3PpybZzNXngB61PQXnxSnfqwfEiGYLvolpnFi8EasbYpnJqtfKUbkk1ARz_KF4VVFTdbEaBTGSwwcfvaeU3_MIi3li7ZZ6--eqBOXWaM4f-sakjMeasOH23AhwB4GO4BQg8ffW7LrDWqxeqz_wcKGtWdyDGGWo8G8ixw.QTPRygGaPdlSZ2GR8GtEyG3rlxVNoI9q-tRr0tjybsI&qid=1773085465&sr=1-1
FOLLOW THE PODCAST
CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES
Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.
https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast
Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)
#megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch
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