Summary
When you go to church, you don’t want to be hurt or disappointed—not by anyone, but especially not by a pastor.
But it happens.
Sometimes a pastor disappoints people simply because he is a flawed human who makes honest mistakes.
But other times, the reasons are less innocent. A pastor might foster a church culture in which the congregation’s loyalty is bound to a particular movement, the church, or even the pastor himself—instead of to Jesus. He might be controlling, hypercritical, or cowardly. He might engage in behavior that disqualifies him from serving as a pastor.
In this episode, we cover some of the issues related to the disappointment and pain people can suffer from their pastors, seeking to provide counsel for those who have experienced pastoral hurt.
The Bible has a lot to say about leaders who harm people instead of helping them. “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” the Lord declares (Jeremiah 23:1). Jesus Christ, in his sacrificial life and death, is the ultimate shepherd who gives his life for his sheep. “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you,” writes the Apostle Peter, “exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Obviously, our discussion is not comprehensive, and we only allude to the kinds of abuse—physical and sexual—that is not only harmful but also illegal. In these cases, victims or their advocates should involve law enforcement as a God-given means of bringing justice and protecting the vulnerable.
Listen to the full episode at the links below.
Resources
Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church by Michael Kruger
A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
— episode fourteen —