When Narcissism Comes to Church

When Narcissism Comes to Church
Author: Chuck DeGroat
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2020-03-17
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830841997

Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with narcissistic personality disorder and those wounded by narcissistic leaders for over twenty years. Offering compassion and hope for both narcissists themselves and those affected by its destructive power, DeGroat imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects.

Redeeming Power

Redeeming Power
Author: Diane Langberg
Publisher: Brazos Press
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2020-10-20
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1493427563

Power has a God-given role in human relationships and institutions, but it can lead to abuse when used in unhealthy ways. Speaking into current #MeToo and #ChurchToo conversations, this book shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power. Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack a deep and clear-eyed understanding of how power actually works. Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg offers a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions. This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst.

Wholeheartedness

Wholeheartedness
Author: Chuck DeGroat
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2016
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0802872700

I'm being pulled in a thousand different directions. As a therapist, Chuck DeGroat hears that line all the time. "I hear it from students and software developers," he says. "I hear it from spiritual leaders and coffee baristas. And I hear it from my own inner self." We all feel that nasty pull to and fro, the frantic busyness that exhausts us and threatens to undo us. And we all think we know the solution -- more downtime, more relaxation, more rest. And we're all wrong. As DeGroat himself has discovered, the real solution to what pulls us apart is wholeheartedness, a way of living and being that can transform us from the inside out. And that's what readers of this book will discover too.

Healing Spiritual Abuse

Healing Spiritual Abuse
Author: Ken M. Blue
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Total Pages: 174
Release: 1993-09-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780830816606

Asserting that spiritual abuse in the church is more common than we realize, Ken Blue examines the causes of spiritual abuse, identifies abusive patterns, offers healing to those who have suffered abuse and describes how leaders should model the gospel of grace.

Toughest People to Love

Toughest People to Love
Author: Chuck DeGroat
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2014-05-29
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 146744040X

People -- frustrating, confusing, disappointing, complicated -- are the most difficult part of leadership, and they challenge leaders everywhere, from leaders of many to managers of a few. In this book Chuck DeGroat addresses the flawed nature of people and offers wisdom for leaders of all types in dealing with just about anyone who is difficult to lead and to love. Toughest People to Love explores the basics of how people "tick," encouraging leaders to examine and take care of themselves so that they can better understand and care for others. Based on DeGroat's wealth of experience as a pastor, professor, and therapist, this book -- both wise and practical -- is one that countless leaders will go back to time and again for valuable insights and renewed vision.

Ministry by the Book

Ministry by the Book
Author: Derek Tidball
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2009-05-29
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830838597

Focusing on pastoral leadership within local churches or groups of churches, Derek Tidball provides a comprehensive survey of the variety of ministry models and patterns found in the New Testament with applications for today's ministry.

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse
Author: David Johnson
Publisher: Baker Books
Total Pages: 274
Release: 2005-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1441202420

In a breakthrough book first published in 1991, the authors address the dynamics in churches that can ensnare people in legalism, guilt, and begrudging service, keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom.Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery.

A Church Called Tov

A Church Called Tov
Author: Scot McKnight
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Total Pages: 238
Release: 2020-10-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 149644602X

“Scot and Laura do an amazing job of teaching us what a good church looks like.” —Beth Moore What is the way forward for the church? Tragically, in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches—from Willow Creek to Harvest, from Southern Baptist pastors to Sovereign Grace churches. Respected author and theologian Scot McKnight and former Willow Creek member Laura Barringer wrote this book to paint a pathway forward for the church. We need a better way. The sad truth is that churches of all shapes and sizes are susceptible to abuses of power, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse. Abuses occur most frequently when Christians neglect to create a culture that resists abuse and promotes healing, safety, and spiritual growth. How do we keep these devastating events from repeating themselves? We need a map to get us from where we are today to where we ought to be as the body of Christ. That map is in a mysterious and beautiful little Hebrew word in Scripture that we translate “good,” the word tov. In this book, McKnight and Barringer explore the concept of tov—unpacking its richness and how it can help Christians and churches rise up to fulfill their true calling as imitators of Jesus.

When Loving Him Is Hurting You

When Loving Him Is Hurting You
Author: David Hawkins
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2017-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0736969810

It's Okay to Have Needs of Your Own You fell in love with him. But over time you've come to realize he's in love with himself—and you feel trapped. His needs, his problems, and his plans always seem to take precedence over yours. Dr. David Hawkins, director of the Marriage Recovery Center, offers a guide to help you identify signs of narcissism, understand how your loved one's issues are affecting you, and prepare a biblical game plan for freeing yourself to live courageously in light of God's love. Whether the man in your life can be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), exhibits narcissistic traits and emotionally abusive behavior, or has arrogant and self-centered tendencies, the emotional pain he causes you is very real. Discover the truths, wisdom, and grace you need to spark change in your relationship, set boundaries, and experience healing.