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- This became an entangled issue in the charismatic churches during the sweeping impact of the Shepherding Movement. Our fellowship (in the 70s) had been 'sipping the koolaid' right along with many other churches and I am thankful that many in our leadership were careful not to walk too deeply into it however a few elders did, and many were hurt by authoritative abuse; particularly women and the chemically addicted. Dave Johnson, former pastor of the local Open Door Church in Maple Grove, MN wrote a book in the late 80's about spiritual abuse. It was published by Bethany House (now Baker Group) entitled, "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church". It was a vivid STOP SIGN for Christian clergy and laity who had 'ears to hear and eyes to see'.
- I've seen spiritual abuse that was different again from the "domineering, heavy-handed ways" in the article. The leaders in one church created a subtle class system with them at the exclusive top, of course. One noticed a definite 'in' crowd. They preached another gospel which was not a gospel, and had a 'deliverance' ministry that did far more harm than any good at all. Another church (a uniting parish) was filled with leaders, including all the ministers and 95% of the parish council members, who didn't believe Jesus was God. That was a fun fours years! I've witnessed firsthand the terrible fallout of spiritual abuse that was mentioned in the article. In John 10 Jesus says they're thieves and robbers, and even worse. He is so right.
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