Just in case some of you dismissed my article, "Six signs and symptoms of a controlling ministry and spiritual abuse," for whatever reason. The following article was written by one of my blog followers, 'RemnantGirl", who has a blog dedicated to Spiritual Abuse Survivors as well as domestic violence. Sisters of the gospel, I beseech you to read this article and check out her blog.Unquestioned Authority:
In an unhealthy church, it is considered rebellion when someone questions decisions that are made or statements that are said from the pulpit. Granted, there are those who constantly question the leadership in any church -- but often such constant questioning comes from an individuals critical attitude.
Pastors must learn to deal with such questioning in a compassionate, positive manner. However, in an unhealthy church, any and all questions are considered threats to the pastor's "God-ordained" authority. Members who do dare to question their leaders or who do not follow their directives often are confronted with severe consequences.
A man from one church told me, "We were told that it is more important to obey leaders than to question what they are doing." He went on to say, "It was unthinkable to question the motives of the pastor."
A man from one church told me, "We were told that it is more important to obey leaders than to question what they are doing." He went on to say, "It was unthinkable to question the motives of the pastor."
For example, one couple, members of a church on the West Coast, decided to take a family vacation. This couple purchased their airline tickets and finalized the rest of their plans. They were looking forward to their long-needed time off. Once the pastor discovered their plans, he rebuked them for not getting his permission first and warned them not to go on the trip. They went anyway. Shortly after they returned, they were visited by some of the church's leadership. They were informed that by going on vacation against the pastor's wishes, they were in rebellion. To enforce the pastor's authority, there had to be some form of punishment applied. This couple was then informed that no one from the church was permitted to speak to them or have any contact them for a time determined by the pastor. Even their children were not permitted to play with any of the other children from the church.
Pastors operating under a spirit of control are often convinced that they are the only ones who can accurately hear from God. Under the constant exposure to this spirit, members often become convinced that they indeed need their pastor to think for them. In essence, their personal fellowship with the Lord has been abdicated for a relationship with a man. As a result, they lose their confidence in being able to discern the will of God for their lives.
2 comments:
Great article! My family and I have been victims of a controlling pastor. The situation left us wounded, however God has began to heal us and we are now walking in VICTORY!
As an ex Jehohah's Witness, I can relate to spiritual abuse. Obedience and loyalty to the elders and the organization was equated to loyalty and obedience to Almighty God. Shunning is frequently practiced and has broken up families and hurt many people.
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