Abuse From A Seemingly Sound Doctrine Church

   Probably the most hurtful kind of Church abuse is from what we would consider a main stream church.  What I mean is abuse coming from a church that is not a cult.  One that seems to be alright.

    In our personal lives probably the most hurtful abuse we have ever endured came from what we thought was a sound Bible teaching Church.  The problem was that this church had some corruption in the leadership. Partly from my experience at that church has led me down the path to begin to talk about this problem more openly.

   We would expect abuse to go on in the Cults.  We never really got involved in any cults.  But they have tried, and we refused.  Sometimes reps from them would call us a lot.  After all we are Christian Musicians.  We are in the public to a degree, and this causes us to be an open target.

    We have seen first hand serious problems in the Local Church, (Pastors cheating on their wives, wives cheating on their husbands, misuse of funds, drugs, and drinking, leadership that lies, etc). What happened at this one church effected us alot, because we really trusted them.  We thought this was the right place for us, but was wrong.  God had another purpose in mind.  He allowed us to go through it to help others.  He used it to bring us closer to him..

    I learned many lessons from these situations.  I learned one major lesson, just don't think it will go away.  I learned that certain leaders can get away with anything.  Sometimes they may deny something even to their graves.  But the Lord Knows.  Also the Lord knows if we are telling the truth. I'm glad God is the judge.

   Spiritual abuse occurs when someone uses their power within a framework of spiritual belief or practise to satisfy their own needs at the expense of others.
   

 One person usually tells others what to do and always expects to be obeyed.
 Someone reacts strongly and personally to being questioned or contradicted.
 Leadership is based on hierarchical authority rather than greater ability.
 Leadership is never shared, or a hush hush mentality exists between the leaders.
 Someone expects agreement without them having to ‘prove their point’.
 Someone frequently uses the statement “The Lord has told me”.
 People are afraid to make their disagreements known.
 People would really like to do something else, but afraid of how the authority would react.
 People never share their different opinions for fear of being put down.

You are not to be called teacher, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

    Teachers, fathers and masters all have a role within society. In the Christian community we have to beware of adopting these roles in relation to one another. To call someone ‘teacher’ suggests we are always pupils in relation to them. To call someone ‘father’ suggests we are children in relation to them. To call someone ‘master’ (meaning ‘expert’) suggests they have advanced beyond where we will ever be. The ‘great one’ in the Christian community is the humble servant ready to admit when they are ignorant, or wrong, and seeking the wellbeing of others.

   Spiritual abuse is less likely to happen where members of the Christian community treat one another as equals before God, under Christ.
   

   If you think you are the subject of spiritual abuse it is up to you to act. No one is going to come and rescue you, unless you make a fuss! Go and tell someone who is not involved in the situation and if they won’t take you seriously, go and find someone who will!

   Remember, if you are the subject of spiritual (or any other form of) abuse, the most powerful weapon you have is the little word “NO”.  But make sure it is really abuse.

   One who really hates abuse and corruption is God.  If you think my words can be really strong consider what the Bible says.  About Pastors (shepherds, leaders, etc) that hurt his people.

 Jeremiah 23:1-4. Woe to the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Says the LORD. Therefore truly says the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, says the LORD. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, says the LORD.