Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church
MICHAEL J. KRUGER
Bully Pulpit
Copyright © 2022 by Michael J. Kruger
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ISBN 978-0-310-13640-8 (audio)
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Kruger, Michael J., author.
Title: Bully pulpit : confronting the problem of spiritual abuse in the church / Michael J. Kruger.
Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2022.
Identifiers: LCCN 2022021311 (print) | LCCN 2022021312 (ebook) | ISBN 9780310136385 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780310136392 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Christian leadership. | Christianity—Psychology. | Psychological abuse—Religious aspects—Christianity. | BISAC: RELIGION / Christian Living / Leadership & Mentoring | RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues
Classification: LCC BV652.1 .K78 2022 (print) | LCC BV652.1 (ebook) | DDC 261.8/327—dc23/eng/20220705
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022021311
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022021312
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The information in this book has been carefully researched by the author and is intended to be ...
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About Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the ChurchWhat if churches have been looking for the wrong kind of leaders? The last decade has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual abuse—harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes, there are many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn. It seems that some of the leaders we are producing—and, if we are honest, some of the leaders we are wanting—have characteristics that are either absent from, or even the very opposite of, the list of leadership characteristics laid down in Scripture. Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people that don’t abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently. But we can’t ignore the growing number who do not. We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how to handle it in the church. |
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