At church last Sunday, the pastor read a most insightful list by author, Mary DeMuth and incorporated it into his sermon. The list was titled "Spiritual Abuse, 10 Ways to spot it." Her entire article can be found here: http://www.marydemuth.com/spiritual-abuse-10-ways-to-spot-it/.
Spiritual abuse is when a pastor, elder, or other religious leader detrimentally uses their position in an unbiblical manner for personal gain. I've cited a couple of Ms. DeMuth's observations and have placed my own comments in blue:
1. ...Can’t admit failure... They often quote scriptures about not touching God’s anointed, or bringing accusations against an elder. Yet they often confront sin in others, particularly ones who bring up legitimate biblical issues. Or they have their circle of influence take on this task, silencing critics.
Sometimes they can even attempt to censure or cast aspersions on those who bring up legitimate biblical issues. So intent are they to cover up their sin, they can even use the pulpit as a hammer to further their own agenda. For example, imagine a pastor citing
1 Cor 4:1-5 to suggest that congregations are not competent to ultimately judge their pastors. Such an irresponsible statement has the effect of painting an unrealistic and unbiblical hierarchy between the congregant and their leadership.
Anglican bishop J.C. Ryle (1860-1900) had a compelling position about such teaching:
Let us learn not to put implicit confidence in any man’s opinion, merely because of his office as a minister. Peter was one of the very chiefest Apostles, and yet he could err. This is a point on which men have continually gone astray. It is the rock on which the early Church struck. Men soon took up the saying, “Do nothing contrary to the mind of the Bishop.” But what are bishops, priests, and deacons? What are the best of ministers but men-dust, ashes, and clay-men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities? What saith the Scripture, “Who is Paul and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?” (1 Corinthians 3:5). ... The greatest errors have been begun by ministers. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of the High priest, made religion to be abhorred by the children of Israel. Annas and Caiaphas, though in the direct line of descent from Aaron, crucified the Lord.... It is absurd to suppose that ordained men cannot go wrong. We should follow them so far as they teach according to the Bible, but no further. We should believe them so long as they can say, “Thus it is written,” “thus saith the Lord;” but further than this we are not to go...
J.C. Ryle's entire article can be found here:
http://trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=182
1 Cor 4:1-5 to suggest that congregations are not competent to ultimately judge their pastors. Such an irresponsible statement has the effect of painting an unrealistic and unbiblical hierarchy between the congregant and their leadership.
Anglican bishop J.C. Ryle (1860-1900) had a compelling position about such teaching:
Let us learn not to put implicit confidence in any man’s opinion, merely because of his office as a minister. Peter was one of the very chiefest Apostles, and yet he could err. This is a point on which men have continually gone astray. It is the rock on which the early Church struck. Men soon took up the saying, “Do nothing contrary to the mind of the Bishop.” But what are bishops, priests, and deacons? What are the best of ministers but men-dust, ashes, and clay-men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities? What saith the Scripture, “Who is Paul and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?” (1 Corinthians 3:5). ... The greatest errors have been begun by ministers. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of the High priest, made religion to be abhorred by the children of Israel. Annas and Caiaphas, though in the direct line of descent from Aaron, crucified the Lord.... It is absurd to suppose that ordained men cannot go wrong. We should follow them so far as they teach according to the Bible, but no further. We should believe them so long as they can say, “Thus it is written,” “thus saith the Lord;” but further than this we are not to go...
J.C. Ryle's entire article can be found here:
http://trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=182
Spiritual leaders should conduct themselves in a morally and ethically upright manner. To be above board in their conduct, contracts, finances etc. If they have stumbled, they should repent publicly and honestly and endeavor to make things right. To some, the effects of spiritual abuse can create spiritual devastation and isolation. If this happens the goal is look beyond the individual(s) to God. God never fails. Men may fail and disappoint but "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purposes." (Rom 8:28). The best way to guard against spiritual abuse is to study Scripture. Hebrews 4:12
