I’ve spent this chapter arguing not only that spiritual abuse is a serious problem in the church but also that several factors have led us to this point. These factors include (1) a celebrity pastor culture that attracts and rewards narcissistic personalities; (2) a model of pastoral ministry that values gifts or doctrine over character; (3) a lack of substantive, meaningful accountability from the elders or boards overseeing the pastor; (4) a profound misunderstanding of how Jesus wants leaders to wield their authority; and (5) a posture of defensiveness that would rather litigate criticisms
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