The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing & Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church by David Johnson & Jeff Van Vonderen

The Church should be a safe place for people but unfortunately sometimes it is not. Some of those who come to the Church for help leave having been manipulated, controlled, shamed and condemned. The Bible warns us about wolves amongst the sheep who endanger and devour the sheep. The reason for this problem is what the authors calls spiritual abuse.

This book talks about the problem of spiritual abuse in the Church, it defines the problem, looks at the victims and perpetrators of spiritual abuse, abusive church systems, how spiritual abuse develops, why those under it don't see it, and how to escape an abusive church situation.

Part 2 of the book examines the abusive leader and the subtle ways a leader may control the believer.

Part 3 of the book looks at effective ways to recognize and escape abusive situations.

This book is informative, practical, balanced and sensitive. A must read especially for a Church leader.