* * * Attempting to Set the Doug Phillips Record Straight: The Puzzle, Types of Control by Church Leaders, Vision Forum, Boerne Christian Assembly, and a Characterization of Phillips * * * BEFORE WE BEGIN: In this series of articles on Doug Phillips and Vision Forum, I will… Continue reading Attempting to Set the Doug Phillips Record Straight: Part 1 – The Puzzle of Control
Category: Narcissistic Pastors
Spiritual Abuse: Interview with Doug Bursch
*** *** Yesterday I did an interview with Doug Bursch from Seattle's KGNW radio station. Doug describes himself in his bio as "a speaker, writer, pastor, teacher and evangelist." We spoke about spiritual abuse, healthy and unhealthy churches. I've done quite a few interviews since the lawsuit, but this one is my new favorite. If… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Interview with Doug Bursch
When Your Religious Leader Falls Off the Pedestal
* * * Cindy Kunsman responds to fallen spiritual leaders and spiritual abuse after the Doug Phillips scandal. * * * Note from Julie Anne: This article, by Cindy Kunsman was originally posted at her blog, Under Much Grace, and she has given me permission to post… Continue reading When Your Religious Leader Falls Off the Pedestal
When Sharing Concerns or Asking Pastors Questions Leads to Spiritual Abuse
* * * Questioning authority or raising concerns can be the litmus test to see if your pastor is spiritually abusive or not. * * * * * * Oh boy, is this a biggie. I was really moved when this topic come… Continue reading When Sharing Concerns or Asking Pastors Questions Leads to Spiritual Abuse
When Your Pastor Speaks Humility, but Shows Pride Instead
* * * Spiritual abusers are often self-absorbed, preaching humility, but exhibiting pride. Pastors who draw attention to themselves and their accomplishments and self-importance are not servant leaders. * * * Being familiar with a pastor's personality and charm can sometimes conceal warning signs which might seem… Continue reading When Your Pastor Speaks Humility, but Shows Pride Instead
Harvest Bible Chapel Files Complaint Against Blogger Paul Dohse, Resulting in Loss of YouTube Privileges
* * * In a concerted attempt to control others, someone from Harvest Bible Chapel (HBC) filed official complaint with YouTube against blogger Paul Dohse's YouTube account, resulting in blogger's loss of YouTube privileges. * * * * * * I received an… Continue reading Harvest Bible Chapel Files Complaint Against Blogger Paul Dohse, Resulting in Loss of YouTube Privileges
Harvest Bible Chapel: #Spiritual Abuse 101 Tweets from Elder’s Letter
*** Last week I posted a letter from Dave Corning who was a long-time elder at Harvest Bible Chapel (HBC), under Pastor James MacDonald. I mentioned that Corning's letter would be my go-to letter for describing spiritual abuse because it described some of the most common tactics spiritual abusers use. Friday, I tore the letter apart… Continue reading Harvest Bible Chapel: #Spiritual Abuse 101 Tweets from Elder’s Letter
Beaverton Grace Bible Church and Pastor Chuck O’Neal – A Year after They Lost the Defamation Lawsuit
* * * But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blpasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a… Continue reading Beaverton Grace Bible Church and Pastor Chuck O’Neal – A Year after They Lost the Defamation Lawsuit
Spiritual Abuse: Pastors as Psychopaths?
Can you think of any profession where one can obtain a CEO-like position having no formal training, no formal credentials, or no former experience? In the secular world, CEOs usually need to have some experience and qualifications behind them. Frequently, a CEO will have many years of experience in the company and move… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Pastors as Psychopaths?
Music and Madness
'Tis the season and my kids and I have been playing a lot of this: and singing in Christmas programs. There are two final music events this week. Music is so wonderfully healing and was certainly a nice distraction from some heavier subjects. But hey, did you happen to read about Westboro Baptist Church's website getting hacked… Continue reading Music and Madness
Narcissistic Pastors
This is a scarf I was knitting while attending BGBC and with the ladies of my knitting group.I think one of the fascinating things about spiritually abusive environments is that abusers are so masterful, sometimes they don't even need to use words to induce guilt in their people. Our family had attended a church for… Continue reading Narcissistic Pastors
Creepy Pastors and Churches Using Creepy Stalking Control Tactics
* * * There have been a few stories of spiritual abuse in the news lately. A kind reader sent me this article from The Christian Post: Spiritual Abuse: Shepherds – or Fleecers – of God's Flock? This article starts by discussing the abuse of gaining members' funds through… Continue reading Creepy Pastors and Churches Using Creepy Stalking Control Tactics
Round and Round We Go: More Court News!!!
We have a new update: The other original mother on the case has now been voluntarily dismissed from the case yesterday. WOOHOO!!!!! I am so thrilled for this family!!! Admin note: My daughter and I have discussed this and because this case is so public, we have just gone along with that and have… Continue reading Round and Round We Go: More Court News!!!
Additional Former Church Member Has Been Sued!
* * * I'll get to the subject of the former church member sued in just a moment, but want to make sure this point is told: I believe that suing former church members is just an extension of the spiritual abuse. How can that be? Let me explain.This is old… Continue reading Additional Former Church Member Has Been Sued!
"Justice" Responds
* * * FrederickaMay 17, 2012 11:07 AM I must confess myself mystified as to the nature of 'Justice's' complaint, which seems to be lacking in a certain, shall we say, precision. What exactly is it that he or she is alleging was done to him or her? AnonymousMay… Continue reading "Justice" Responds
Guest Poster: Twisting Scripture to Legitimize Lawsuit
* * * My readers continue to provide excellent dialogue on the topic of the defamation lawsuit and whether the Bible condones lawsuits among Christians. This one was worth a blog post. Thank you, Anonymous! To new readers: Chuck O'Neal and Beaverton Grace Bible Church filed a defamation lawsuit against… Continue reading Guest Poster: Twisting Scripture to Legitimize Lawsuit
Damage Control – How Do I Look?
* * * I love the interaction on this blog in the comment section. There are some very insightful people reading this blog and time and again, they help steer the direction of the blog posts as it stirs something in my mind. (Hint: if you want me to cover a… Continue reading Damage Control – How Do I Look?
Manipulating Reviews Yet Again
* * * Look how fast the BGBC elves went to work. It was brought to my attention that a new review up at the DexKnows review site, but it was shoved down so far that you have to click on "See All Reviews" in order to see it. They appear… Continue reading Manipulating Reviews Yet Again
Evangelize When it Looks Good
Beaverton Grace Bible Church is a church with a very strong emphasis on evangelism. It is one of the primary reasons why my husband wanted to start attending. We had evangelism classes for two hours each Sunday at "Grace Bible Institute". Groups of people went out evangelizing on Friday nights to malls, canvassing neighborhoods, Portland… Continue reading Evangelize When it Looks Good
Disobedient Children and Meetings with the Pastor
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4 On our very first Sunday at the church, I recall being in the nursery with my baby. A sweet teenager was helping with childcare and she told me in a matter-of-fact way that she… Continue reading Disobedient Children and Meetings with the Pastor
Spiritual Sounding Board 