Bitter Fruit: Dysfunction and Abuse in the Local Church

by Keith Gordon Ford

No church founder or planter likely intends to start a church with the stated goal of allowing abuse or abusing those within it. Yet sadly and too often, even in the best of churches abuse does occur. The bitter fruit of abuse does not appear from nowhere. Its origins, the soil in which it grows, and the structures that support it need be understood if we are to eradicate this fruit from within our churches and Christian organizations. Bitter Dysfunction and Abuse in the Local Church describes those psychologies, social psychologies, and inadequate theologies that are frequently true in churches that enable abuse, regardless of the form the abuse may take. It is vital that you understand these things if you are a pastor, leader, or lay person seeking to maintain a healthy church environment.

274 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2021

Reviews

[Persis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about a difficult subject. "Bitter Fruit" is different from other books on abuse in that it highlights components of dysfunction that can occur in *any* church. These dysfunctions have the potential to produce a culture where abuse can occur.

The author hones in on the anxiety of believing right, performing right, and belonging to the right group that provide fertile ground for the seed - unresolved family of origin issues in leadership, which manifest in misuse of authority and an unhealthy perception of humanity. Once the seed sprouts, the resulting plant grows supported by the trellis of unquestioned authority, conflict avoidance, and unity above all. Shallow theologies of forgiveness, character judgment, pastoral care, and discipline also weaken any potential healthy growth. The herbicide is the gospel, but not just mental propositions about the gospel. It is the gospel that changes lives and is demonstrated by caring for the weak and vulnerable.

This is a challenging book. It requires an honest assessment of the church and humility to inquire, “Is this us, Lord?” But the well-being of the church and its members is worth the self-examination.

(One minor point: It would have been helpful if the author elaborated more on the family of origin baggage, because I believe he is onto something here. However, the remaining substance of the book merits 5 stars. )

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not really sure how to review this book. On the one hand it addresses some really important issues regarding church health, and there are some very valuable insights shared. On the other hand, I felt that in answering some very important questions, the author arrived at some conclusions that I didn’t quite agree with, or that at least seemed too simplistic to apply to sometimes complex situations. I also found that we tumbled down a few rabbit holes as the book explored so many big issues.
Although at times it felt like the arguments stemmed too strongly from the author’s own experiences, there were helpful references to some other books that I have found valuable in this area, and it was certainly clearly structured and generally accessible to a wide audience. I suspect this book would be a great springboard to discuss church dysfunction with a small group.

[Moses Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book to understanding abuse in churches. Ford tackles the systems, attitudes and environments that enable abuse and allow it to thrive and produce “bitter fruit.” This book belongs in the library of pastors and elders who need to understand that abuse of any kind in a church is not an “accident.” It’s the product of the culture and environment of the church and the fruit of the leadership. The book belongs in the hands of lay members who need to recognize “bitter fruit” before they or others fall victim to preying shepherds.