On this episode of Melody and Friends, Melody sits down with author and professor, Chuck DeGroat, to discuss narcissism in the church. Chuck discusses the different forms narcissism often manifests itself in leaders of the church, what characteristics a narcissist will often display, and ways that they often try to redirect or lead conversations about their behavior. Chuck then explains why narcissism seems to be such a predominant issue in the church and what we as a congregation can begin to do in addressing it.

Who is Chuck DeGroat?

Chuck DeGroat is Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary, MI, and Senior Fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. He is an author, speaker, consultant, and therapist. Chuck is committed to spiritual and emotional formation for the sake of mission. His experience is represented in a fluid combination of pastoral ministry and seminary training for 20 years.  He has served several church plants as a teaching pastor and has started two church-based clinical counseling centers.  Most recently, he was a teaching pastor at City Church San Francisco, where he co-founded Newbigin House of Studies, an urban and missional training center with offerings through Western Theological Seminary.

Things We Talk About In This Episode:

• What is narcissism?
• Why is narcissism such a predominant issue in the church?
• How to approach and deal with someone exhibiting narcissistic behavior
• How Chuck DeGroat works to help both narcissists and those affected by narcissistic behavior 

Our listeners can learn more about Chuck DeGroat, access his online courses and sign up for soul care intensives by visiting his website chuckdegroat.net. 

Our listeners can also pick up a copy of his book, When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse, at the Amazon link here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Narcissism-Comes-Church-Community-ebook/dp/B07ZG79HHF