The third feature of spiritual abuse is that the abusive leader appears to be building God’s kingdom—at least on the outside—but is actually protecting his own power and authority. Spiritual abuse usually happens because a pastor is desperately trying to control his ministry and keep it on track. He wants to control his staff, control the vision, control the direction of the church. Loyalty must be maintained at all costs. Nothing can be allowed to diminish his position or take away his power. And when people fall out of line (which tends to happen with human beings), then he cracks the whip.
