Can You Spot an ABUSIVE LEADER?

In her book Twisted Scriptures: A Path to Freedom from Abusive Churches, author Mary Alice Chrnalogar offers a litmus test for recognizing dangerous leaders.

Unfortunately spiritual abuse is on the rise. It today's attitude of "jump in the river" people are not testing the waters before they jump. Some preachers are using their position in the Church to force people under their control. People are told not to question the shepherd, so inconsequently many people are going along with teachings that are not Biblical as if they were sheep.

When you look at the twelve signs below, you can ask them about your congregation as well. If you are able to check off more than four from the list, then you need to think about what is going on in your Church.

• Teach that it's a sin not to trust a leader.
• Tell followers they must die to all of their desires
• Urge followers to imitate them, not Christ
• Prod followers to obey the leader's opinions, even when their hearts say not to.
• Teach that people should confess their sins before a group.
• Teach that self-confidence is a sin.
• Tell followers that privacy in personal affairs is akin to rebellion-every area of life should be open to scrutiny by the leader.
• Encourage followers to express their hatred for their enemies.
• Publicly rebuke or ostracize people who disagree with them.
• Label people who don't show up for every church activity as "spiritually lacking."
• Imply that people who leave the church will suffer God's punishment.
• Brush off negative feedback about the leader's behavior.