Are churches looking for the wrong kind of leaders? The last decade
has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual
abuse--harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a
position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small
portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are many more
cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer
in silence, not knowing where to turn.
Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who
don't abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and
patiently. But we can't ignore the growing number who do not. We have
tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us
against.
We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit,
seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger offers a
unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the
problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how to handle it in the
church.
"Every Christian from pulpit to pew needs to read this wise and timely
work."
- Karen Swallow Prior
"Both urgent and timely."
- Sam Storms
"Thoughtful, wise, and biblical."
- Mark Vroegop