‘Writing a book that is honest and clear about spiritual abuse while also being open and responsible about its complexity is a great gift to the Church, and beyond. Lisa and Justin have succeeded in doing this; that they do so with winsomeness and humility simply adds further to this gift.’

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham

‘Spiritual abuse disguises itself masterfully, and preys not only upon the vulnerable, but also the most passionate in the faith. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys have created a vital resource in this unique, timely, accessible book. It exposes the culture created by bullying leaders with clarity and compassion, and calls us towards health and freedom. Highly recommended.’

Jeff Lucas, author, speaker and broadcaster

‘The impact of abuse of any kind – physical, emotional or sexual – tears at the fabric of one’s soul. I know. My spirit was nearly destroyed by those traumas as a vulnerable young child. But there is one form of abuse I suffered that breaks God’s heart like none other – spiritual abuse. This is the “better to have a large millstone hung around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea” kind of abuse that Jesus raged against in Matthew 18. I was, as this book notes, “unsafe in what should have been a safe place”.

The difficult reality is that spiritual abuse, often subtle and hidden, exists in the Church more widely than we want to believe. When it gains a foothold, people who are looking for love, acceptance, joy and healing instead gradually become entrapped by a deeply damaging climate of control, coercion and condemnation.

Lisa and Justin bravely tackle this rarely discussed form of abuse with great care. If you are a survivor of spiritual abuse, you will recognize your pain in these pages and find help toward healing. If you are a leader, or anyone who wants to walk alongside those who are wounded in this way, here is an invaluable, practical resource for learning how to prevent, identify and respond to spiritual abuse and restore a safe Christian culture.’

Dr Wess Stafford, President Emeritus, Compassion International, and author of Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute

‘Spiritual abuse is a difficult subject – a minefield of contentious contexts, opposing viewpoints and personal perspectives. For this reason and more, spiritual abuse needs to be exposed and explored. In this book, Lisa and Justin are honest yet balanced in the way they handle the subject matter. This book is constructive in its observations, and it’s clear that both Justin and Lisa are motivated by a desire to help strengthen rather than condemn churches and other spiritual environments; to help them be safe and healthy places for people to experience God’s love.’

Arianna Walker, CEO, Mercy UK, author and speaker

‘Spiritual abuse is one of the most prevalent types of abuse within the Church today. It is the toxic and destructive fuel that empowers all forms of physical, sexual and emotional maltreatment and is a powerful weapon ...