Podcasts about spiritual abuse

Stuck in an unhealthy church and not sure what to do next? When you're facing spiritual abuse and toxic church leadership, when sin keeps getting covered instead of confessed, you really only have four options. Comply. Conform. Confront. Or cut ties.In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White walk through all four biblically, so you can identify spiritual abuse for what it is and discern which door God is actually asking you to walk through right now. Every one of the four costs you something. None of them should be driven by fear, and none of them should be driven by anger either.We look at what compliance looks like right before it quietly turns into participation. We look at how good people conform to a toxic system without ever meaning to. And we look at what biblical confrontation actually requires before you ever get to the question of leaving a toxic church.Hear this clearly: Walking away from an abusive church is not walking away from Jesus. Sometimes it's the most faithful step toward Him you can take.This isn't cynicism, and it isn't an exit ramp from faith. We love the Bride of Christ. That's exactly why we take it this seriously.SCRIPTURES REFERENCEDActs 5:29 | Ephesians 5:11 | Romans 12:2 | Galatians 2:11-13 | Matthew 18:15-17 | 1 Timothy 5:19-20 | 1 Peter 3:17 | Romans 12:18 | Romans 16:17 | 1 Corinthians 5 | 2 Corinthians 7 | 2 Timothy 3 | James 1:5 | Ezekiel 34 | John 10CHAPTERS00:00 Spiritual Abuse in the Church: The Only Four Options You Have00:30 How to Identify Spiritual Abuse When Something Just Isn't Right01:16 Church Hurt and Biblical Discernment: Why We Do This Show01:58 Comply, Conform, Confront, or Cut Ties02:20 Option 1: Comply (Going Along Without Agreeing)03:43 When Compliance Becomes Participation in Sin | Acts 5:2904:49 Option 2: Conform (When You Adopt the Dysfunction)06:34 Stop Confusing Talent With Anointing08:20 Are You Defending What Once Broke Your Heart? | Romans 12:208:53 Option 3: Confront (Naming Sin in Church Leadership)10:07 Matthew 18:15-17: The Biblical Process for Confronting Sin11:23 Important Exception: Abuse, Assault, and Reporting It11:55 How "Two or Three Witnesses" Gets Weaponized | 1 Timothy 514:28 Confrontation Is Right Even When It Goes Badly18:42 Option 4: Cut Ties (When Leaving a Toxic Church Is Biblical)20:07 Is Leaving a Church Unbiblical? Matthew 18:17 Says No24:43 Walking Away From an Abusive Church Is Not Walking Away From Jesus26:28 Four Questions to Know Which Option God Is Asking of You31:57 These Aren't Four Personality Types, They're Four Doors34:24 Share This With Someone Sitting in That Hard PlaceIf this episode helped you, share it with somebody sitting in that hard place right now. You never know what one conversation can do.Data tells us that 96% of the people watching Shepherd's Heart haven't subscribed yet. If this is your kind of conversation, subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next one.Questions, or something you're walking through? Email us atinfo@shepherdsheartministries.orgShepherd's Heart is a podcast for Christ-followers who refuse to look the other way. Hosted by Stewart and Alycia White. New episodes every two weeks.#SpiritualAbuse #ChurchHurt #ToxicChurch #BiblicalDiscernment #ShepherdsHeartBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.

Katheryn Krick: Spirit or spectacle? Faith or fraud? Another alliteration I can't think of right now?  In this episode of We Should Know Better, the crew gets back into the studio to unpack the wild world of modern church culture and viral internet theology. They kick things off by reviewing the hyper-polished production of South Orange County mega-churches before diving into a viral clip linking a lack of tithing to one's sexual proclivities.  The guys also dissect an airplane meltdown involving an end-times street preacher, look critically at the cultish dynamics surrounding self-proclaimed apostle Katheryn Krick, and unpack what true biblical masculinity looks like compared to modern caricature.  Finally, things take a grounded, vulnerable turn as they wrestle with unanswered prayers, serious illness, and what it means to hold space for hard questions in faith. 00:02.35 - Welcome Back & Merch Plugs  02:11.07 - Over-Produced Churches & South OC Worship Culture  16:09.17 - Theo-Bros & "If You Don't Tithe You're Gay" Viral Clip  28:27.23 - Airplane Evangelist: Flight Delays, End Times, & Captive Audiences  45:30.54 - Personal Faith Journeys & Relational Evangelism  54:44.11 - Deconstructing Faith Healer Katheryn Krick & Viral Manifestations  01:13:26.51 - Psychosomatic Healing vs. Genuine Spiritual Encounters  01:30:59.34 - David and Jonathan: Ancient Relationships & Modern Interpretation  01:45:39.77 - Re-evaluating Masculinity, Nurturing Traits, and Jesus  01:55:37.42 - Processing Cancer, Unanswered Prayer, and Pushing Back on God SUBSCRIBE & SHARE us this week!Contact Us: brosbiblesbeer@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave Us A VoicemailYouTubeSimpleCastSpotifyApple PodcastsXInstaWe Should Know Better is: Zack Krater & Andy McCraw Find us wherever fine podcasts are distributed. Oh, and share us with a friend this week! Grace. Peace. Cheers! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cult of Kathryn Krick — The Abuse Allegations Surrounding Geor Davie, Her Spiritual MentorOn this episode of Prophetic News Radio, Susan Puzio examines Kathryn Krick, founder of 5F Church, and her relationship with Tanzanian preacher Geor Davie, whom Krick has publicly described as an important spiritual mentor in her ministry journey.We examine publicly available claims and allegations concerning Geor Davie, Kathryn Krick's teachings and ministry practices, spiritual authority, deliverance ministry, submission to spiritual leaders, and the questions Christians should be asking when evaluating modern-day apostles and prophets.What does the Bible say about testing ministers and spiritual claims? Should Christians unquestioningly submit to someone claiming apostolic or prophetic authority? We compare these teachings and practices with Scripture and encourage listeners to examine everything carefully for themselves.Prophetic News Radio — examining today's prophetic movement in the light of the Bible. True Reformation with an eye on the prize!

What happens when submission to God quietly becomes submission to a leader? When questioning your pastor starts getting treated like questioning God?Those are the questions we're exploring as we review John Bevere's "Under Cover," one of the most widely read books on spiritual authority in the modern charismatic Church. We're holding up the book's conclusions against Hebrews 13, Romans 13, and what Jesus himself said about leaders exercising authority over believers. Does "Under Cover" hold up? Or does it hand pastors an authority the New Testament never actually gives them?To be clear, we're not arguing against leadership or real spiritual authority rightly stewarded. We're asking where the line sits between genuine biblical submission and spiritual abuse dressed up in biblical language. For a lot of people in the body of Christ right now, that line has gotten blurry, and it's cost them.0:00 – Introduction9:57 – Romans 13 and Submission28:03 – Spheres of Delegated Authority41:40 – James and Jerusalem Council59:48 – Submission Versus Obedience1:18:59 – "Not Being Fed" Excuse1:31:52 – Discerning Leaders' Decisions1:39:38 – Exposing Versus Concealing Sin1:48:28 – Korah's Rebellion Explained1:55:52 – Ham, Noah, Cover-Up Culture2:02:33 – Miriam, Aaron, Judgment2:20:45 – Closing Thoughts and ResourcesJoin Joshua Lewis, Michael Miller & Michael Rowntree for RemCon "Prophecy & Hearing God's Voice" October 1-3 | Houston, TXLearn more & register: https://www.theremnantradio.com/remnant-fall-conference-2026 Subscribe to The Remnant Radio newsletter and receive our FREE introduction to spiritual gifts eBook. Plus, get access to: discounts, news about upcoming shows, courses and conferences - and more. Subscribe now at TheRemnantRadio.com.Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO: The Remnant Radio exists to equip believers who are hungry for the radical middle of both Word and Spirit. Subscribe for twice-weekly content on theology, church history and the gifts of the Spirit.

You were the one who showed up early and stayed late, and now you can't sit through a worship set without your chest tightening. That is what spiritual abuse does. In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White sit down with pastor and author Remy Diederich, who wrote "Broken Trust," for an honest conversation about spiritual abuse, church hurt, toxic church leadership, and what healing actually looks like on the other side.Book: "Broken Trust: A Practical Guide to Identify and Recover from Toxic Faith, Toxic Church, and Spiritual Abuse": https://amzn.to/4xirow5Remy was the worship leader at a church that spiritually abused him. When he walked out, he lost every friend he had. For five years he couldn't pray, couldn't read his Bible, and couldn't listen to worship music at all. Then he did the last thing anyone expected. He planted a church and pastored it for eighteen years, and he spent more than two decades sitting with people in an addiction treatment center learning how broken trust actually gets rebuilt.In this conversation Remy walks through the full spectrum of unhealthy faith communities, from simple insensitivity to toxic performance-based teaching to outright spiritual abuse to mind control, and he explains how to identify spiritual abuse when your church keeps fluctuating between the two. He unpacks the crazy-making moment where you walk into a leader's office with a legitimate concern and walk out apologizing. He explains the equity investment, the reason you cannot just leave a church you have poured your money and your friendships and your family into. He names why the Bible and prayer and worship music become triggers rather than comfort, and why that is not your fault. And he draws the clearest line we have heard on forgiveness and trust being two completely separate things.If you've experienced church hurt, spiritual abuse, toxic church leadership, or deep trauma inside a faith community, this conversation is for you. We talk honestly about healing, boundaries, discernment, pastoral care, religious trauma, and the long road of recovery after spiritual harm. We also explore how the gospel, Jesus, and the Bible speak into betrayal, grief, damaged relationships, and rebuilding faith after a church wounds you. Whether you are an abuse survivor, a church leader, a pastor, or someone wrestling with whether you can leave a church and still follow God, this episode offers clarity and hope.Remy also gives something we rarely hear anyone give: green flags. Not just the red ones. How to vet a church before you hand over your trust again, what to read on a church website before you ever walk in the door, and what healthy church leadership actually looks like from the inside.And if you're the person sitting there with your arms crossed, about to walk away from the church and from God at the same time, stay through the end.Subscribe so you don't miss that conversation.FIND REMY DIEDERICHWebsite: https://www.readingremy.comRemy has over 300 articles on his site and a YouTube channel with a full section on spiritual abuse.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FRemyDBook: "Broken Trust: A Practical Guide to Identify and Recover from Toxic Faith, Toxic Church, and Spiritual Abuse": https://amzn.to/4xirow5CHAPTERS:00:00 Why Didn't You Just Leave? | Spiritual Abuse in Their Own Words01:34 He Lost Every Friend, Then Planted a Church | Meet Remy Diederich04:49 Five Years Without Prayer or the Bible07:01 The Day God Flipped a Switch | Finding Abraham09:40 The Spiritual Abuse Spectrum | Insensitivity to Mind Control12:48 The Elder Who Said Nothing | Early Signs of a Toxic Church16:06 The Meeting That Flips | You Walk In With a Grievance and Leave Apologizing18:16 Why You Can't Just Leave | The Equity Investment Explained21:33 Confront It or Leave | Remy's Bottom Line24:10 When the Bible, Prayer, and Worship Become Triggers25:45 I Was the Worship Leader and I Couldn't Listen to Worship Music28:26 If You Leave This Church, Bad Things Will Happen | A Major Red Flag30:30 Forgiveness and Trust Are Two Separate Things33:46 The Bridge the Offender Has to Build | Rebuilding Broken Trust35:49 How to Vet a Church Before You Trust It | Green Flags, Not Just Red39:33 What He Did Differently When He Planted a Church42:48 To the Person Who Is About to Walk Away From God46:34 Where to Find Remy Diederich and Broken TrustCONNECT WITH SHEPHERD'S HEARTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeartShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherdsheartministries/If this episode named something you've been carrying alone, you are not alone. Leave a comment below and we will pray for you and walk through it with you.#SpiritualAbuse #ChurchHurt #ToxicChurch #BrokenTrust #ShepherdsHeartBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.

Imagine a church where spiritual abuse is not just an exception but a pattern rooted deep in its culture... It's a heartbreaking reality revealed when both pastors and congregation members unconsciously enable destructive behaviors. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into how systemic cultures within churches can foster coercion, manipulation, and spiritual trauma—even when no one intends harm. How does spiritual abuse differ from healthy conflict, and what are the subtle ways it manifests through control, secrecy, and elitism? The role of church culture in either enabling or resisting abuse—plus practical elements that cultivate a healthier, “Tov” (good) environment Why trusting cultures matter more than trusting individual leaders, and how to discern whether a church's environment fosters righteousness or ripples with bad fruit The importance of humility, repentance, and transparency in confronting and preventing systemic failures - Real-world examples of how power, wealth, and even well-meaning teachings become tools for harm when uncheckedCHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction: Navigating summer, beards, and the heat 02:00 - Vacation reflections: Gulf of America and political symbolism 03:40 - The contrast between dry and humid heat; Florida's atmosphere 05:00 - Cultural perceptions of patriotism and national identity 06:00 - Current polls: Millennials, Gen Z, and the influence of political support on church attendance 07:57 - The surprising data: Atheists and agnostics rejecting support for Trump and church09:20 - The decline and revival of religious interest among young adults 11:00 - Worship, justice, and genuine spiritual longing amidst cultural confusion 13:00 - The influence of church history, state power, and religious movements 15:00 - The importance of uncharged (free) prophetic ministry and systemic patterns of abuse 17:00 - Recognizing authentic love and discipline versus toxic authority 19:00 - The nature of spiritual abuse: coercion, manipulation, secrecy, and power distortion 22:00 - Differentiating dispute and conflict from abusive patterns 25:30 - The importance of culture, habits, language, and collective identity 27:00 - Routine issues: church discipline, transparency, accountability, and systemic healing 30:00 - Recognizing and addressing spiritual trauma and systemic failure 33:00 - How unintentional actions contribute to harm; the need for awareness 36:00 - The role of leaders, nepotism, wealth, and power in perpetuating abuse 38:00 - What authentic love and humility look like in church leadership 41:00 - The importance of healthy cultures and the influence of external societal pressures 43:30 - Practical discernment: when disagreement becomes spiritual abuse 47:00 - The challenge of repentance, truth-telling, and confronting church complicity 50:00 - The importance of humility in leadership, ongoing learning, and personal growth 53:00 - The influence of church culture on shaping trust and accountability 55:30 - Defining "Tov" and how cultivating goodness counters bad fruit 58:00 - Recognizing and nurturing good fruit in church and community life 60:00 - The metaphor of the church as the bride of Christ: fighting for health and justice 62:00 - Practical final thoughts: loving well, confessing honestly, and cultivating healthy culture 63:00 - Wrap-up and closing blessingsAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Bel joins us from Australia to share her story of growing up in a church in the Sydney Anglican Diocese. When she was six, she nearly died in an accident at church. Soon after, her family moved to a new church led by a man we call Rev T. He called himself a counselor and claimed he could help people no doctor could. Bel describes a community shaped by control, fear, and the constant feeling of being watched. She shares how Rev T's counsel tore her family apart, how her sister was sent away from home and put through an exorcism, and how a private meeting in his office crossed lines no pastor should ever cross. Today, Bel is a wife, a mom, and a survivor. She shares her story in the hope of making the church a safer place.Support the show

You left a church because of spiritual abuse, but the people you love stayed. Teasi Cannon joins Shepherd's Heart to talk about church hurt, broken friendships, and how to know who is still safe.Leaving an unhealthy church rarely ends the pain. Your friends stay, the leaders keep going, and somehow you become the difficult one. In this episode, Teasi shares her own story of spiritual abuse and walks through the hardest part of healing from church hurt: navigating the relationships with people who stayed behind. If you're grieving friendships, questioning who you can trust, or wondering how to love people still inside a toxic church, this conversation is for you.CONNECT WITH TEASI CANNONWebsite: https://www.teasicannon.comYouTube (True Comfort Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/@teasicannon9660Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teasicannonTrue Comfort on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-comfort/id1822183312True Comfort on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mmBVgIBS6XbD5xggsnFCAbeEmboldened (spiritual abuse recovery nonprofit): https://www.beemboldened.comWhat we cover in this episode:Why survivors of spiritual abuse wonder if they can ever trust themselves againThe moment you're out and no one comes for youWhy the wounded person gets the scrutiny while leaders get the benefit of the doubt"Bleeding sheep don't bleed pretty" and how a friend can actually help someone who isn't healing gracefullyWhy good people stay in unhealthy churches, and how to have compassion without pretendingWhy a staying friend's presence can feel like rejection and betrayalNot everyone who stays is unsafe, but not everybody who stays is safe: how to discern which friendships still have room for your heartRed flags that a friendship has become unsafe, including defending the leader, reporting back, and pressure to reconcile quicklyBiblical boundaries with people still inside the churchThe hope on the other side: it wasn't Jesus, it was a misrepresentation of HimTeasi will be back on Shepherd's Heart when her new book on forgiveness releases. Subscribe so you don't miss that conversation.CHAPTERS:00:00 I Wished I Had Bruises | The Invisible Wound of Spiritual Abuse01:19 Welcome to Shepherd's Heart with Teasi Cannon01:44 Meet Teasi Cannon: Author, Speaker, beEmboldened Board Member02:44 Wounded in Jesus's Name: Why Church Hurt Matters03:14 How Did I Become the Difficult One?04:12 Shunned Overnight: When No One Comes for You05:04 Why Spiritual Abuse Makes You Doubt Yourself07:19 Get Educated: The First Step After Church Hurt09:47 Hyper-Scrutiny and the Pressure to Leave Perfectly10:13 Bleeding Sheep Don't Bleed Pretty11:33 How Friends Can Actually Help a Hurting Person13:37 Is Telling Your Story Gossip? Reclaiming the Word15:38 Why I Didn't Confront the People Who Hurt Me16:10 Red Flag Sermons: How the Pulpit Manages the Narrative17:35 The Neuroscience of an Invisible Wound18:34 Why Good People Stay in Unhealthy Churches20:19 When the Friends Who Stayed Also Stayed Too Long21:19 We Lost Everything: 23 Years and Gone23:14 When Their Staying Feels Like Betrayal25:05 You're Worshiping Where I Was Wounded26:03 Thrown Off the Ship: Grieving the Friendship27:31 Can These Friendships Survive Spiritual Abuse?28:32 Why Do I Want Them to See the Truth?32:05 Do I Keep Hoping or Release Them?33:26 Wolves and the Naivety That Lets Them In34:28 Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light Friendships35:35 What a Safe Friend Sounds Like36:24 The Yellow Zone: Choosing to Be Vulnerable Again38:32 When Someone Presses You for More Information40:12 Setting a Loving Boundary in a Hard Conversation41:06 Don't Cut the Baby in Half: Two Sides to Every Story42:15 Total Image Repair and DARVO from Leadership43:33 What Biblical Boundaries Really Are45:42 Boundaries Please the Lord, Not People47:13 We Have Completely Misunderstood Forgiveness47:58 Just Forgive Is Not That Simple: The Moral Debt49:22 Forgiving God vs. Forgiving People51:11 The Fruits of Genuine Repentance53:17 Forgiveness, Trust, and Restored Access56:05 What Saying I Forgive You Actually Means57:22 The Beauty That Only Repentance Can Bring59:08 A Teaser for the Counterfeit Forgiveness Deep Dive59:34 Grief That Changes You Rather Than Defines You61:27 Finding Security in Christ, Not the Church63:39 We Can't Force Reconciliation or Repair65:19 A Litmus Test for Our Own Hearts67:00 Rejoicing With True Repentance67:30 Transcendent Hope in the Middle of Real Pain70:24 It Wasn't Jesus: The Hope on the Other Side72:12 When the Church Isn't the One Who Shows Compassion73:32 Ezekiel 34: The Shepherd Who Goes After the One74:18 About the Book: Counterfeit Forgiveness76:31 Where to Find Teasi and Her True Comfort Podcast#churchhurt  #spiritualabuse  #LeavingAChurch #TeasiCannon #ShepherdsHeartBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.

.Prophetic News Radio – Perverts and Liars (Previously Recorded)In this previously recorded episode of Prophetic News Radio, Susan Puzio examines the claims, scandals, and public controversies surrounding several influential personalities in the modern charismatic movement. Topics include David E. Taylor, Paula White, The Elijah List, Kat Kerr, Robin Bullock, and their connections to President Donald Trump and the broader prophetic movement.This program compares public statements and documented events with Scripture, encouraging believers to test every teaching and every prophecy according to the Word of God. Listeners are urged to exercise biblical discernment rather than blindly following personalities or sensational claims."Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God..." — 1 John 4:1 (KJV)#PropheticNews #PropheticNewsRadio #SusanPuzio #DavidETaylor #PaulaWhite #ElijahList #KatKerr #RobinBullock #PresidentTrump #FalseProphets #Discernment #BibleProphecy #ChristianPodcast #KJV #ChristianNews #Apologetics #ChurchWatch #WordOfFaith #NAR #BibleTeachingTrue Reformation with an eye on the prize!

Bek Condello didn't choose the world she was born into. Raised inside the Geelong Revival Centre, a church she now describes as a cult, every aspect of her life was decided for her — what she believed, who she could trust, who she could marry, what she wore, and what would happen if she ever left. By the time she was an adult, she had never kissed anyone, never questioned the rules she'd grown up with, and genuinely believed the outside world was dangerous. In this conversation with Kate Langbroek, Bek explains why leaving wasn't the hardest part. The real challenge came afterwards: rebuilding an identity from scratch, grieving the parents she feels the cult stole from her, navigating a marriage that was never really her choice, and learning to trust her own instincts after a lifetime of being told not to. Bek also speaks candidly about the lasting impact of growing up in an environment where sex was framed as shameful, revealing how it contributed to a diagnosis of vaginismus after her wedding and the profound effect it had on her first marriage. This isn't simply a story about escaping a cult. It's about what happens when everything you've ever believed is stripped away, and you're left to answer one terrifying question: who are you when you've never been allowed to decide for yourself? Can You Handle a Girl Like Me? by Bek Condello is available now. If this episode raises concerns for you, support is available. You can find Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website for confidential crisis support. Support independent women’s media and get our biggest offer of the year. Subscribe here for 30% off your annual Mamamia subscription. Code applied at the checkout. Offer ends June 30. You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see. CLICK HERE. What To Listen To Next: Listen: Harrison James: What Every Parent Should Know About Grooming Listen: Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever Listen: Esther Perel: When You Choose Your Partner and Lose Your Family Listen: Georgie Tunny & Rob Mills: The Marriage And Baby Conversation Everyone Keeps Asking About Listen: The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34 Listen: Jeni Haynes Created 2681 Personalities To Survive Her Abusive Father Listen: Kate Ceberano Has Spent 40 Years Trying To Figure Herself Out Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here. Watch No Filter on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram here. Follow us on TikTok here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Guest: Bek Condello Host: Kate Langbroek Executive Producer: Bree Player Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, our storyteller Jane shares her years inside Chi Alpha, the college campus ministry of the Assemblies of God (AG). What began as a warm, welcoming community slowly turned into something else. Jane describes the pressure to lead, the strict rules over her time, friendships, money, and even her food and health, and the spiritual control that kept her silent for years.She walks us through her path from new student to leader, intern, and full staff missionary. She talks about the leadership "class" she paid to take, a retreat that changed her, the support raising system that left her broke, and the moment she finally found the strength to leave. Jane also speaks to the wider abuse that has come to light in Chi Alpha and the Assemblies of God, and why she chose to break her silence now.Her story is a powerful look at high control religion, the savior complex on the mission field, and the long road to healing. Jane closes with a message of hope for current members, for survivors, and for the leaders she hopes will repent.Chi Alpha Survivor Website http://xalionsden.com/Support the show

Most people picture narcissism as loud, obvious, and easy to spot. The research says otherwise — and so does the Enneagram.In this second conversation with Chuck DeGroat, Michael and Chuck work through all nine Enneagram types and the unique way narcissism hides inside each one: the nine's quiet, invisible anger; the two's helpfulness that quietly demands to be needed; the three's stage self that performs even in the counseling room; the seven's flight from anything that feels like limitation. Beneath every number, Chuck argues, the same question is lurking — do you see me, and am I enough? — and the answer we've constructed to cope with that question is where narcissism takes root.They also talk about what it looks like to hold a narcissistic person without becoming reactive, and why real change — when it happens — is always slow and always looks more like yeast in bread than sudden transformation.Chuck DeGroat is a professor, counselor, and author of When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.Click here to listen to Part One of Chuck's conversation with Michael.Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

➟ ➟ Narcissism in the church is one of the hardest things to name, especially when the pastor looks godly on Sunday and something still feels deeply wrong. In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White sit down with therapist and author Chuck DeGroat, who wrote "When Narcissism Comes to Church," for an honest conversation about spiritual abuse, church hurt, and what real healing actually looks like.Chuck has spent more than twenty years doing psychological assessments of pastors and leaders. He explains why narcissism is a spectrum and not just a label. He shows how to tell the difference between a leader having a bad day and a genuine pattern of harm, and why rushing to call someone a "narcissist" is rarely the most helpful place to start. He also shares the warning a seminary professor once gave him that changed the course of his life and his marriage.This is a conversation for anyone who has carried church hurt they could never fully explain, or quietly wondered whether their leader is actually narcissistic. There is a path toward healing, and it starts in a different place than most people expect.What we cover in this episode:➟ Why a "safe shepherd" is the real mark of healthy leadership➟ The difference between abuse and the trauma that lingers long after it➟ Why healing is "not microwavable" and what genuine change actually requires➟ How forgiveness and justice are not the same thing➟ What almost every narcissistic leader has buried in their own story➟ How to discern real harm from a one-off mistake"I'm never working with a narcissist. I'm working with someone who bears the image of God." - Chuck DeGroatCHAPTERS00:00 Personal growth and self-discovery05:57 Using Milan Clinical Inventory06:59 Discussing narcissistic personality traits10:59 Examining Saul's leadership flaws14:21 Narcissism and self-protection in therapy17:40 Understanding vulnerability and self-protection21:53 Assessing pastors' future challenges24:37 Focusing on impact over labels28:39 Discussing psychological diagnoses33:44 Starting Point for Healing Trauma34:23 Creating a safe space for healing39:15 Recognizing signs of a panic attack40:44 Importance of addressing physical needs45:16 Shifting to a more grounded life48:00 Seeking justice and healing52:01 Reflecting on grace and forgiveness54:31 Contact and Social Media InfoABOUT OUR GUESTChuck DeGroat is a therapist, professor, and author of "When Narcissism Comes to Church" and "Healing What's Within." He co-founded the Soul Care Collaborative and teaches at Western Theological Seminary.Website: https://www.chuckdegroat.net/Soul Care Collaborative: https://www.soulcarecollaborative.com/His books: When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse: https://amzn.to/4oV9mNrHealing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering: https://amzn.to/4y0mXaIMore Books: https://www.chuckdegroat.net/booksIf this conversation helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. Hit the bell so you never miss a new episode on faith, healing, and discernment.CONNECT WITH SHEPHERD'S HEARTFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeartShowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherdsheartministries/#ChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuse #Narcissism #ShepherdsHeartKeywords: narcissism in the church, narcissistic pastor, spiritual abuse, church hurt, Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church, healing from church hurt, narcissistic personality disorder, toxic church leadership, spiritual abuse recovery, biblical discernmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.

Today on Uncommon Sense, we're taking a deeper look at the Israel-Iran conflict, the continuing questions surrounding the Epstein files, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We'll discuss why these stories continue to dominate public conversation, explore the political and geopolitical questions people are asking, and examine why these events should be viewed together rather than in isolation.--https://www.youversion.com/bible-app

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL ABUSE AND HOW DO I HEAL FROM IT?

What if the most dangerous spiritual abuse doesn't look abusive at all?What if it looks like loyalty, obedience, and being ‘on fire for God'?How theology, prophecy, and deliverance get distorted.Support this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donateGrab your free gift: the top 10 most misunderstood Biblical verses: https://info.bibspeak.com/10-verses-clarifiedJoin the newsletter (I only send 2 emails a week): https://www.bibspeak.com/#newsletterShop Dwell L'abel 15% off using the discount code BIBSPEAK15 https://go.dwell-label.com/bibspeakDownload Logos Bible Software for your own personal study: http://logos.com/biblicallyspeakingSign up for Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig…Use Manychat to automate a quick DM! It's great for sending links fast.https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/nd14879vojabStan.Store—way better than Linktree! It lets me share links, grow my email list, and host all my podcast stuff in one place.https://join.stan.store/biblicallyspeakingSupport this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donate Dr. Anna Kitko originally a British-trained Cambridge graduate, Anna's clinical work focuses in the realm of Cults and New Religions by weaving together an eclectic background in Theology, World Religion, Christian Apologetics, and modern Psychology for a therapeutic experience that is spiritually focused and mindful of the boundaries of Holy Scripture. She carries two undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida in Philosophy and Religion as well as a Master of Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. On top of this, Anna is a current Research Associate with the University of Salford, Manchester UK, carrying a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control and having authored the first psychometric in the world measuring spiritual abuse in demonic deliverance settings. Respectively, she is a member and regular lecturer for the International Cultic Studies Association and the Director of Theological Integrity for Ratio Christi: Campus Apologetics Alliance; an international Christian Apologetics network. Locally, Anna is Theological Director of Integrated Wellness Tennessee, a non-profit mission providing clinical mental health care to those in the community who otherwise could not afford care financially. Her expertise focuses on cases of spiritual abuse, cultic and coercive control, brainwashing, domestic violence, human trafficking, terrorism, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Dissociation, and spiritual pathologies such as Prelest. She is an unabashed Christian and the center of her therapeutic interventions is housed in an office modeled after a 12 th century monastic cloister. Anna possesses a knowledge of a vast array of historic therapeutic interventions from Mesopotamian exorcism protocols, to meridian work, and all the way to modern interventions such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR. She also is well versed in the healing of popular and fraudulent mental health interventions such as SOZO and Apostolic Demonic Deliverance. email: annakitko@ratiochristi.orgYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@annakitkoRecommended reading inspired by this episode:

www.determinetruth.com   Can the Bible be used to justify abuse? In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we conclude our series on unhealthy churches, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma with author, theologian, and abuse expert Steve Tracy. Steve shares decades of experience helping churches understand abuse, respond wisely to victims, and avoid the misuse of Scripture that often protects abusers instead of the vulnerable.   Topics include: How common abuse is inside churches Why some churches still fail to respond appropriately The misuse of complementarian theology and authority structures "Touch Not God's Anointed" and other frequently abused passages Proverbs and corporal punishment The proper interpretation of 1 Timothy 5 and accusations against leaders Why biblical justice prioritizes the vulnerable How churches can protect abuse survivors The role of humility in biblical interpretation Stories of healing and restoration through Mending the Soul We also discuss Steve's ministry work throughout East Africa, where churches are being equipped to care for trauma survivors and bring healing in some of the world's most difficult circumstances. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, survivor of abuse, or simply someone seeking a healthier understanding of biblical authority, this conversation offers practical wisdom, theological clarity, and genuine hope.  

How do you define a spiritual cult or high-control group?What separates deep commitment from coercion?Why is ‘high control' such a critical psychological category?Support this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donateGrab your free gift: the top 10 most misunderstood Biblical verses: https://info.bibspeak.com/10-verses-clarifiedJoin the newsletter (I only send 2 emails a week): https://www.bibspeak.com/#newsletterShop Dwell L'abel 15% off using the discount code BIBSPEAK15 https://go.dwell-label.com/bibspeakDownload Logos Bible Software for your own personal study: http://logos.com/biblicallyspeakingSign up for Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig…Use Manychat to automate a quick DM! It's great for sending links fast.https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/nd14879vojabStan.Store—way better than Linktree! It lets me share links, grow my email list, and host all my podcast stuff in one place.https://join.stan.store/biblicallyspeakingSupport this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donate Dr. Anna Kitko originally a British-trained Cambridge graduate, Anna's clinical work focuses in the realm of Cults and New Religions by weaving together an eclectic background in Theology, World Religion, Christian Apologetics, and modern Psychology for a therapeutic experience that is spiritually focused and mindful of the boundaries of Holy Scripture. She carries two undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida in Philosophy and Religion as well as a Master of Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. On top of this, Anna is a current Research Associate with the University of Salford, Manchester UK, carrying a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control and having authored the first psychometric in the world measuring spiritual abuse in demonic deliverance settings. Respectively, she is a member and regular lecturer for the International Cultic Studies Association and the Director of Theological Integrity for Ratio Christi: Campus Apologetics Alliance; an international Christian Apologetics network. Locally, Anna is Theological Director of Integrated Wellness Tennessee, a non-profit mission providing clinical mental health care to those in the community who otherwise could not afford care financially. Her expertise focuses on cases of spiritual abuse, cultic and coercive control, brainwashing, domestic violence, human trafficking, terrorism, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Dissociation, and spiritual pathologies such as Prelest. She is an unabashed Christian and the center of her therapeutic interventions is housed in an office modeled after a 12 th century monastic cloister. Anna possesses a knowledge of a vast array of historic therapeutic interventions from Mesopotamian exorcism protocols, to meridian work, and all the way to modern interventions such as Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR. She also is well versed in the healing of popular and fraudulent mental health interventions such as SOZO and Apostolic Demonic Deliverance. Recommended reading inspired by this episode:

What does the Bible mean by “the fear of the Lord”? And how can a right understanding of it protect against spiritual abuse instead of enabling it?In this conversation, Lee Anderson and Naomi Wright discuss how abusive leaders misuse spiritual authority, why fear of the Lord should lead to humility and accountability, and the red flags Christians should watch for in unhealthy church leadership.#beEmboldened #SpiritualAbuse #HealingTogether #Gospel

Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com What happens when the place that was supposed to feel spiritually safe becomes the source of deep pain? In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we continue our conversation on religious trauma, spiritual abuse, PTSD, and moral injury with licensed trauma clinician Eric Winton. Together, we explore: The difference between church hurt, religious trauma, and moral injury Why some people struggle to even walk into a church building How trauma impacts the brain, emotions, relationships, and faith The danger of minimizing deep wounds with clichés like “just forgive and move on” Why healing often requires both safe community and trained professional help What pastors and church leaders need to understand about trauma-informed care How churches can become places of compassion instead of additional harm Why there is still real hope and healing after spiritual abuse This is an honest, nuanced, and compassionate conversation for: Pastors and church leaders Survivors of spiritual abuse or religious trauma Christians wrestling with deconstruction Anyone trying to understand PTSD, trauma, shame, and healing within faith communities If this conversation resonates with you, know this: you are not weak, crazy, or alone. Healing is possible.

Welcome to Day 2866 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Interacting with the Spirit: Discernment and Devotion. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2866 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2866 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  Interacting with the Spirit: Discernment and Devotion. In a time when spiritual experiences are common but theological clarity is often lacking, many believers are left wondering how to rightly interact with the Holy Spirit. Should every spiritual prompting be obeyed without question? Can pastors or teachers claim the Spirit's authority and remain above critique? And how can we know when something is truly from God or when it is a counterfeit? Scripture answers these concerns not with vague encouragement but with strong instruction. The Holy Spirit is real, personal, and present. Yet we are commanded to test the spirits, to examine prophetic claims, and to remain anchored in the Word. This lesson explores both who the Holy Spirit is and how the people of God are called to respond to His voice with reverence, wisdom, and truth. The first segment is: Who Is the Holy Spirit? Yahweh Among Us The Holy Spirit is not a mystical force or a divine power switch. He is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God, fully eternal, and fully personal. From the very first pages of Scripture, we see Him present in creation, hovering over the waters as the breath of Yahweh. He does what only God can do. He speaks, commands, empowers, and gives life. The New Testament affirms this divine identity. Peter tells Ananias in Acts 5 that he has lied to the Holy Spirit, and then immediately states he has lied to God. Paul in Second Corinthians 3 refers to the Spirit as “the Lord.” The Spirit is not a created being nor an impersonal wind. He is Yahweh, and to interact with Him is to encounter the living God. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon judges, prophets, and kings to empower them for specific roles. He anointed artisans, guided leaders, and spoke through messengers. Yet He did not dwell permanently within all of God's people. His presence was selective and often temporary. This was not due to any deficiency, but because the covenant had not yet reached its fulfillment. The temple was sacred space. Only after the atoning work of Christ could human hearts become that temple. At Pentecost, this changed. The Spirit descended not on a mountain or a sanctuary but on the gathered body of believers. He came to dwell within them, not just with them. This marked a new chapter in the life of God's people. Every believer now becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit. The same God who descended on Sinai and filled the Tabernacle now fills the hearts of those who belong to Christ. This matters deeply for discernment. When we speak of testing the spirits, we are not dealing with vague impressions or spiritual atmospheres. We are discerning whether what we are hearing or experiencing aligns with the character, authority, and truth of the One who is Yahweh, the Spirit of God. The second segment is: The Call to Discernment John gives a direct and sobering command: do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This is not a warning against all supernatural experiences. It is a call to distinguish between what is truly from the Spirit of God and what is false. The early church faced false prophets, counterfeit visions, and teachings that claimed divine authority. Today is no different. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them not to quench the Spirit and not to despise prophecy, but to test everything and hold fast to what is good. The balance is clear. We must be open to the Spirit's work while remaining grounded in discernment. Testing is not opposition to the Spirit. It is obedience to Him. Testing involves examining whether a message or experience lines up with Scripture. The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired. Isaiah tells the people of his day that if someone does not speak according to the law and the testimony, there is no light in them. This remains true. The Spirit of truth does not speak lies or encourage rebellion against God's Word. We also test by fruit. Jesus said a tree is known by its fruit. Does the spiritual experience or message produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control? Or does it bring division, fear, pride, and confusion? The Spirit builds up the Church in holiness and unity. He does not lead people into chaos or flattery. Another test is whether the Spirit glorifies Christ. Jesus said the Spirit would not speak on His own authority but would take what belongs to Christ and declare it. The Spirit always lifts up Jesus. Any voice or experience that shifts attention away from Him is not of God. Finally, discernment happens in community. Paul instructed the Corinthians that prophetic words should be weighed by others. Even sincere believers can mishear, misunderstand, or be misled. A healthy church does not operate on private revelations that cannot be tested. The Bereans were praised for examining Paul's words against the Scriptures. True spiritual leadership invites scrutiny because it is committed to the truth, not to control. The Third Segment is: Spiritual Abuse and the Misuse of Authority One of the most dangerous distortions of the Spirit's work is when spiritual leaders use His name to shield themselves from accountability. If a pastor or teacher tells the congregation that their words must be accepted without question because they are Spirit-led, something is deeply wrong. No one is above testing. Not even Paul was exempt. In Galatians, Peter is corrected publicly for behavior that contradicted the gospel. True authority submits to the Word of God. When leaders resist examination, they are not protecting the Spirit. They are protecting themselves. The Holy Spirit does not bless pride, manipulation, or spiritual intimidation. He convicts sin but never controls through fear. He leads but does not coerce. He exalts Christ, not personalities. Discernment is not rebellion. It is loyalty to the One who gave us His Spirit and called us to walk in truth. The fourth segment is: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit: The Sin That Will Not Be Forgiven Jesus' warning about the unforgivable sin has caused confusion and fear for generations. In Matthew 12, after the Pharisees accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus responds with a grave rebuke. Every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, He says, except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. That sin will not be forgiven in this age or in the age to come. To understand this, we must consider the context. The religious leaders had witnessed undeniable evidence of the Spirit's power through Christ. A man was healed and delivered right before their eyes. But instead of responding in humility, they hardened their hearts and claimed the work of the Holy Spirit was demonic. This was not a one-time slip. It was a willful rejection of the truth. They saw the Spirit at work and chose to call Him evil. Their hearts were not just mistaken; they were closed off to repentance. That is what makes the sin unforgivable. It is not a single act. It is a settled posture of rejection that cuts a person off from the very One who brings conviction, faith, and renewal. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit means knowingly and persistently attributing the work of God to the enemy, resisting the Spirit's witness to Christ, and rejecting the truth with full knowledge of what is being denied. It is not a careless word or a moment of doubt. It is a defiant rejection of the Spirit's testimony. For believers who fear they may have committed this sin, that very fear is evidence that they have not. The unforgivable sin is not something someone accidentally stumbles into. It is a deliberate and final refusal of God's offer of mercy. Those who grieve over sin, seek forgiveness, and desire to walk with the Spirit are not guilty of blaspheming Him. This warning matters deeply in our age. When discernment becomes slander, when people mock what is genuinely from God because it does not fit their tradition, when leaders reject conviction and call it attack, they risk silencing the Spirit they claim to serve. The warning is not just for the ancient Pharisees. It is for anyone who hardens their heart and declares what is holy to be unclean. We must test

 In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most important truths in the Christian faith: the failure of Christians is not the failure of Christ. From church scandals and spiritual abuse to hypocrisy and disappointment, many people walk away from faith because they confuse Jesus with the imperfect people who claim to follow Him. But what if the answer to distorted Christianity is not less Jesus… but the true Jesus? This episode dives deep into what the Bible says about hypocrisy, why Jesus Himself confronted religious corruption, and how believers can separate Christ from the brokenness of human institutions. We also examine insights from respected Bible scholars, modern church history, and the teachings of Jesus to uncover why authentic Christianity still matters today. If you've been hurt by the church, wrestling with doubt, or searching for the real Jesus behind religion, this conversation is for you. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone wrestling with faith. Many people reject Jesus because of bad experiences with Christians. But here's the question: should Jesus be judged by people who fail to live like Him? In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth that the failure of Christians is not the failure of Christ. We talk about church hurt, hypocrisy, scandals, doubt, and why the real Jesus still stands apart from human weakness and religious corruption. If you've ever been disappointed by the church or questioned your faith because of Christians who didn't reflect Christ, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Watch now and rediscover the difference between Jesus and religion. Connect with us: YouTube: YouTube.com/@soul02-oxygen Facebook: @LP.Oxygen https://www.facebook.com/LP.Oxygen Instagram: LP.Oxygen Twitter: @Soul025 Buzzsprout: Soul02-Buzzsprout Spotify: Soul02 - Spotify Apple: Soul02-Itunes Stitcher: Soul02-Stitcher 

Can church experiences cause real trauma? What is spiritual abuse? And how should Christians think about PTSD, anxiety, trauma, therapy, and healing? In this episode of the Determine Truth Podcast, we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Eric Winton to discuss the growing conversation surrounding church trauma, spiritual abuse, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, and mental health within Christian spaces. Eric brings both clinical expertise and years of pastoral ministry experience to this conversation as we explore: What trauma actually is The difference between PTSD and complex PTSD Spiritual abuse and “spiritual bypassing” Why overspiritualizing pain can cause harm How churches unintentionally retraumatize people Biblical counseling vs clinical therapy Why some people no longer feel safe in church The role of empathy, wisdom, and healing in Christian communities This episode is honest, compassionate, and deeply important for pastors, church leaders, ministry workers, counselors, and anyone navigating spiritual hurt or trauma. Guest: Eric Winton, LMFT Follow Eric: @EricWintonCounseling

In this debrief episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon breaks down the major themes in Parker's story, including spiritual abuse, coercive control, suicide threats, custody abuse, and the way an abuser can use faith, community, and children as tools of control. Brandon explores how Parker's upbringing inside a high-control religious environment shaped her sense of obligation, how her abuser used those beliefs against her, and how fear, guilt, and responsibility kept her trapped longer. The episode also looks at suicide threats as coercive control, post-separation abuse through custody, and the long process of reclaiming your voice after being taught to stay quiet. *** CONTENT WARNING - We discuss Suicidal Ideation in this episode. *** Click if you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@pm.me Click on the title to read about Coercive Control as Care: Signs & Patterns Sign up to our Domestic Violence Newsletter  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I talked with Tia Levings about what it's like to come out of a world that shaped you completely and what happens after you leave; not just the belief system, but the habits, the fears, the voice in your head that doesn't feel like yours.Her new book, I Belong to Me, is really about that part. Not just what happened to her, but how you put yourself back together after.We talked about complicity. About how you can't just blame the system forever. At some point you have to look at yourself and ask what you carried forward.We talked about grief too. Not just what you lost, but what never got to happen, and what it takes to become someone you can live with._____LINKShttps://tialevings.com/https://substack.com/@tialevingsI Belong to Me on Bookshop_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said. Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth. Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. The Gospel of Zip will be released in print and on Amazon Kindle, and as a full video on YouTube and Substack that you can watch or listen to for free.Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of The Gospel of Zip.Learn more at https://www.thegospelofzip.com/Follow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTubeIn Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – Spiritual abuse quietly distorts faith, relationships, and choices, leaving wounded hearts wary of God's truth. Recognizing manipulation, confronting deceivers, and returning to Scripture bring clarity and healing. Forgiveness frees the abused from bitterness while genuine biblical Christianity invites renewed trust, endurance, and hope in Christ's redeeming grace for every soul...

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – Spiritual abuse quietly distorts faith, relationships, and choices, leaving wounded hearts wary of God's truth. Recognizing manipulation, confronting deceivers, and returning to Scripture bring clarity and healing. Forgiveness frees the abused from bitterness while genuine biblical Christianity invites renewed trust, endurance, and hope in Christ's redeeming grace for every soul...

In this episode, Tia Levings returns to talk about her new book I Belong to Me - a guide to healing and recovery after high-control religion and other controlling environments. Tia walks through what she calls the steps before the steps: the audacity, the centrality, the willingness to want something different before you're even ready to name what happened to you. We talk about why language can free you and trap you at the same time, how cult-hopping happens and why, what developmental stages get stolen in high-control systems, and how somatic and body-based modalities opened up healing that talk therapy alone couldn't reach. This is a grounded, honest conversation about what it looks like to start to become the protagonist of your own story.Tia Levings is the New York Times Bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escape from Christian Patriarchy and I Belong to Me: A Survivor's Guide to Recovery and Hope after Religious Trauma. She writes about the realities of religious trauma, evangelical patriarchy, and the Trad wife life, decoding the fundamentalist influences in our news and culture. Her work and quotes have appeared in Teen Vogue, Salon, Newsweek, and the HuffingtonPost. She is an experienced interviewee, speaker, and podcast guest, and has appeared in the hit Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, she is mom to four incredible adults and likes to travel, hike, paint, and daydream. Find her on social media @TiaLevingsWriter.Tia's Book:I Belong to MeTia's Recommendation:Heart the LoverEverything in ColorConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeSupport the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below NEW PODCAST: American Evangelicals - A History PodcastA thoughtful, deep dive into one of the most talked-about movements in American history.Support the show

Learn what healing looks like after 40 years of identity collapse in Christian patriarchy. Tia Levings is a New York Times bestselling author, featured in Amazon's "Shiny Happy People," who escaped Christian fundamentalism, recovered from religious trauma, and now decodes why patriarchal family structures mirror the theocratic policies taking shape in American government right now. In this episode, Tia walks us through: The mechanics of silence culture and why it protects abusers How to identify when you're in a high-control group (it's rarely obvious) Why women brought into patriarchal power structures become scapegoats What healing actually looks like (not spiritual bypassing, not "I'm grateful it happened") The healing modalities that work for complex PTSD after religious trauma How modern politics is the scaled-up version of the family systems she lived in This is a warm, grounded conversation about one of the most urgent cultural issues we're not talking about clearly enough. Books mentioned: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy (https://amzn.to/4tTCvug) I Belong to Me: A Survivor's Guide to Recovery and Hope After Religious Trauma — released May 5, 2026 (https://amzn.to/4epEiCy) Find Tia: Website: https://tialevings.com/ Substack: https://tialevings.substack.com/ Social: @TiaLevingsWriter Viral first appearance on Culture Changers Podcast "What Christian Patriarchy Doesn't Want You To Know" - https://youtu.be/aU6CcgskrUE Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/tCeYbmwcnXA Ready for your own megaphone for change - the podcast that grows? Schedule a free clarity call with me here: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

I joined Melissa Duge Spiers to talk about her upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and what it means to leave a high-control religious system.We talked about the structure of that world and how it shapes identity, behavior, and relationships.Melissa talked about generational trauma and how it lives in the body, not just in memory.We talked about sexuality, repression, and the ways people try to reclaim control after leaving.And we talked about why these conversations continue.Because what happens in private systems like this doesn't stay private._____LINKShttps://melissadugespiers.substack.com_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said. Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth. Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. The Gospel of Zip will be released in print and on Amazon Kindle, and as a full video on YouTube and Substack that you can watch or listen to for free.Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of The Gospel of Zip.Learn more at https://www.thegospelofzip.com/Follow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTubeIn Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast

Text: Mark 12:13-44 (Classic Episode) Hosts: J. Kent Edwards Vicki Hitzges Nathan Norman Narrator: Brian French Donate Produced by Nathan James Norman/Untold Podcast Production © 2026 CrossTalk Global

If you've experienced church hurt, spiritual abuse, toxic church leadership, or deep trauma inside a faith community, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk honestly about healing, restoration, boundaries, pastoral care, church discipline, and the painful reality of abuse in church culture. We also explore how the gospel, Jesus, and the Bible speak into grief, loss, betrayal, damaged relationships, mental health struggles, and the long road of recovery after spiritual harm. Whether you are an abuse survivor, a church leader, a pastor, or someone wrestling with faith, spirituality, and what biblical leadership should actually look like, this episode offers clarity, discernment, and hope.Naomi Wright of beEmboldened shares her story of surviving spiritual abuse and cult recovery, along with practical wisdom for recognizing unhealthy power dynamics, responding to the covering up of abuse, and pursuing real reconciliation where possible. This is a Christ-centered conversation about faith, healing, accountability, discipleship, and finding hope in Christ after church pain.Resources & Contact Information:beEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/beEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldenedContact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contactWorkshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programsRecommended interview for more of Naomi's story: Sean McDowell & Naomi Wright on YouTube - https://youtu.be/YWl5wvvlo4E?si=L-hxe4eGh_U4mdE_In this episode:Learn the difference between strong, biblical leadership and abusive leadership, and how to recognize red flags in church or ministry relationships.Understand how spiritual abuse can occur in both extreme settings (e.g., cults) and mainstream churches, and how subtler forms are often overlooked or explained away.Get a clear, working definition of spiritual abuse, why it flourishes in certain church cultures, and how leaders and systems unintentionally enable it through silencing, neglect, or misplaced loyalty.Explore the effects of trauma, including why survivors struggle to find language or speak up, and how church responses can either deepen wounds or foster true restoration.Receive practical encouragement: steps for those hurt by spiritual leaders, ways healthy churches can protect and respond, and counsel for church members struggling to understand and support those wounded.Hear pastoral advice for discerning healthy versus toxic church environments, and what real biblical accountability should look like among God's people.Scripture Foundation:Ezekiel 34 anchors our conversation. God's heart is clear—He sees when shepherds harm rather than protect His flock, and He Himself steps in as the Good Shepherd to rescue, heal, and restore. Jesus loves His sheep, calls out false shepherds, and promises justice along with compassionate care for the wounded.We know that for many, church trauma and spiritual abuse bring pain, confusion, and sometimes despair. If you're hurting, please know you are not alone and that Christ is near to the brokenhearted. Gospel-centered healing is possible, and trustworthy help can be found.This podcast is not a substitute for local church shepherding or professional counseling. If your situation is unsafe or urgent, please seek immediate help in your area.We hope you'll find wise, gracious guidance, whether you're a survivor hoping for a path forward or a church leader longing to shepherd Christ's flock more faithfully.If this conversation helps you, please subscribe and share with others who may need it.We welcome your questions and stories!TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Confusion about religious upbringing06:47 Feeling a Protective Presence15:18 Recognizing spiritual abuse dynamics20:37 Recognizing motives in leadership21:51 Discussing Bea Bolden's mission and audience30:56 Teaching accountability and limiting power32:55 Understanding and discussing spiritual abuse41:08 Encouraging outside support for churches45:56 Handling leadership crises49:21 Guidance for the outer circle55:33 Importance of following up01:02:26 Focus on genuine repentance and faith01:07:11 Understanding victim motivations01:15:24 Community outreach and engagement ideas01:21:17 Encouragement and church resourcesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.

What does cover-up culture in churches actually look like—and how can survivors recognize it?In this conversation, 3 of beEmboldened's mentoring team – Naomi Wright, Anna Kitko, and Therese Grieco – come together to discuss the warning signs of spiritual bypassing, NDAs in ministry settings, rushed “restoration” responses, and the real impact these patterns have on survivors. They also share practical guidance for those processing harmful church experiences—and for Christians who want to respond wisely and compassionately.Whether you've been directly affected, love someone who has, or simply want to understand what's happening in the broader church right now, this episode offers clarity, language, and hope for moving forward.#HealingTogether #SpiritualAbuse #SafeSpace #Gospel

In this episode, I sit down with Isabella Young, a cult survivor who shares her personal story of life inside a spiritual group, the manipulation she experienced, and how she eventually found her way out.⚠️ Viewer Discretion Advised: This conversation includes sensitive topics such as abuse, trauma, and cult experiences.There is also brief strong language.Isabella opens up about what it was really like behind the scenes—how control is established, how belief systems are shaped, and what it takes to break free. This is a raw and unfiltered conversation meant to bring awareness and understanding to something most people never see.

Katherine Spearing has spent years listening to the stories most churches would rather stay silent about. As the founder of Tears of Eden, she works directly with survivors of spiritual abuse, helping people untangle trauma, reclaim autonomy, and rebuild trust in themselves after systems of faith have caused harm. Her work centers on the lived realities of abuse, power, and control inside religious spaces—and what it actually takes to heal on the other side.A Certified Trauma Recovery Practitioner with a master's degree in Religion and Cultures, Katherine also hosted the groundbreaking podcast Uncertain for five seasons, creating space for long-overdue conversations about abuse in churches. Her book, A Thousand Tiny Paper Cuts: The Subtle, Insidious Nature of Spiritual Abuse and Life on the Other Side, explores the subtle, insidious nature of spiritual abuse and the slow, courageous work of recovery.FIND KATHERINE SPEARING:Follow at www.katherinespearing.com; Instagram @katherinespearing; Facebook @spearingkatherineABOUT S&P HOST JANICE SELBIE, MPCC:Janice is a clinical counsellor, religious trauma recovery coach, and the best-selling author of Divorcing Religion: A Memoir and Survival Handbook: https://amzn.to/4mnDxuo. In addition to private practice, Janice is the founder of the Conference on Religious Trauma (CORT), and the Shameless Sexuality: Life After Purity Culture Conference. Learn about her free, online support group here: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/free-religious-trauma-support-group. Her other podcast is called Divorcing Religion: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/religious-trauma-podcast. The ULTIMATE Deconstruction Guide and Workbook is available now: https://www.divorcing-religion.com/product-page/the-ultimate-deconstruction-guide-and-workbook.FIND JANICE: DivorcingReligion.com; Instagram @divorcingreligion ; Threads @divorcingreligion Support the show

When you hear the word 'cult', you probably picture white robes and remote compounds. But in 2026, the reality is much more ordinary. From wellness communities to 'coaching' gurus and high-control religious groups, a new wave of organisations is recruiting young people who are searching for certainty in an unstable, post-pandemic world. As the Victorian Parliament conducts a landmark inquiry into the recruitment methods of these fringe groups, we investigate how the traditional cult has morphed into something far more sanitised and harder to spot.

The post Is Spiritual Abuse Real? appeared first on Straight Truth Podcast.

Today, cultural movements fueled by social media frequently level accusations of spiritual abuse against church leaders. This episode addresses these claims by examining the crucial need for a faithful, biblical ecclesiology. While there are instances of poor shepherding and leaders who wrongfully domineer their congregations, many accusations stem from a misunderstanding of God-ordained pastoral authority and church discipline. Believers are called to distinguish between abusive behavior and the faithful, sometimes firm, correction provided by loving under-shepherds. By anchoring our understanding in 1 Peter 5 and the broader testimony of Scripture, we can navigate these difficult cultural conversations with wisdom, protecting the purity of the church while honoring true pastoral care.

A new MP3 sermon from Founders Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Is Spiritual Abuse Real? Subtitle: 01 Straight Truth Podcast Speaker: Richard Caldwell Jr. Broadcaster: Founders Baptist Church Event: Podcast Date: 3/13/2026 Bible: 1 Peter 5:2-5; Hebrews 13:17 Length: 23 min.

The last photograph of Tylee Ryan was taken at Yellowstone. September 8, 2019. She's sixteen. She's smiling.Within a day, investigators believe she was dead. Her remains were found nine months later — burned and dismembered in Chad Daybell's backyard.Her mother's explanation, according to friends who testified? Tylee had "gone dark."This is Part 3 of "The Chosen Ones," Hidden Killers' 5-part psychological examination of spiritual abuse and religious trauma through the Vallow-Daybell case. Today we examine the moment a child becomes "other" in a parent's mind — and the spiritual language that made it possible.According to testimony, Chad Daybell's labeling started with Charles Vallow. Chad Daybell told Lori her husband was possessed by a demon named "Ned." She stopped using his name. Seven days after he was killed, she texted about the life insurance: "Ned probably changed it before we got rid of him."Then came the children. Tylee questioned her mother's beliefs — and was declared "dark." JJ needed more care than Lori wanted to give — and became a "zombie."Both buried in Chad Daybell's backyard. Both killed by people who believed they weren't really killing children — just destroying the demons that had taken them over.This is how dehumanization works in high control religion. You create a category. You assign people to it. And then the rules that protect humans don't apply anymore.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#ChadDaybell #LoriVallow #TyleeRyan #JJVallow #HiddenKillers #ZombieDoctrine #Dehumanization #SpiritualAbuse #ReligiousTrauma #HighControlReligion

Chad Daybell kept spreadsheets.Not business records. Not finances. Lists of people — family, friends, his own children — each assigned a "light and dark rating" on a scale he invented.Everyone who dropped below a certain number was declared a "zombie." Everyone declared a zombie ended up dead.This is Part 2 of "The Chosen Ones," Hidden Killers' 5-part psychological examination of spiritual abuse and religious trauma through the Vallow-Daybell case. Today we focus on Chad Daybell: the gravedigger who claimed to see visions, the author who said his fiction was prophecy, the man who built a high control religion that justified murder.We examine the psychology of the charismatic leader — specifically, the type who isn't obviously charismatic. Chad Daybell wasn't magnetic. He was available. He found a community hungry for visions and end-times urgency, and he filled that void.According to testimony, Chad Daybell taught that demons could enter bodies after death. That some people had been "taken over" and were no longer themselves. That killing these "zombies" wasn't murder — it was mercy.Tammy Daybell. Charles Vallow. Tylee Ryan. JJ Vallow. All rated "dark." All dead.If you've experienced religious narcissism from a spiritual authority — or watched someone you love fall under that influence — you'll recognize these patterns.Chad Daybell was convicted and sentenced to death in 2024.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#ChadDaybell #LoriVallow #HiddenKillers #CultLeader #SpiritualAbuse #ReligiousTrauma #ReligiousNarcissism #ZombieDoctrine #HighControlReligion #Deconstruction

Send a textAre Christians being manipulated with end-times politics?In this episode, the hosts dismantle three major myths about the Iran–Israel crisis—including hidden geopolitical motives, the clash between Western politics and Middle Eastern theology, and the spiritual forces often ignored in global conflict.Reports recently surfaced around military leaders claiming the war is tied to biblical prophecy—and that President Trump was anointed to help trigger Christ's return.Is this real Christian theology… or spiritual abuse?00:00:12 - Parenting Sleep Regressions and Coffee Talk00:01:30 - Budget Coffee Choices and Upcoming Economy Episode00:03:31 - Christians Interpreting Iran-Israel War00:05:43 - Church Conversation on Iran and End Times00:07:44 - Iran's Islamic Revolution and Middle East Tensions00:10:29 - Spiritual Realm Behind Geopolitical Conflicts00:15:02 - Christians Should Approach War with Caution00:16:49 - God's Justice and Mercy in Violent Texts00:20:00 - Military Leaders Linking Iran War to Armageddon00:23:25 - Spiritual Abuse and Misusing Scripture00:25:53 - Focus on Jesus' Words, Not End Times Speculation00:28:03 - The Abomination of Desolation Sign00:30:53 - Spiritual Abuse and Misused Christian Authority00:33:12 - Christ the Warrior King Returns00:35:52 - Jesus Returns as Judge and King00:39:05 - Christian Hope Rests in Jesus, Not Geopolitics• **Military commanders are explicitly linking military operations to God's divine plan**, which Ryan characterizes as spiritual abuse rather than legitimate theological interpretation.• **Biblical eschatology requires multiple unfulfilled events before Armageddon** (including the Antichrist's appearance and a seven-year tribulation), making current geopolitical conflicts insufficient to trigger end times prophecy despite popular claims.• **The Bible never glorifies war despite acknowledging its necessity**, yet Christians often weaponize end times speculation to justify or celebrate military conflict, contradicting core scriptural principles.Support the show

Tidal waves of exposure regarding spiritual abuse have been crashing repeatedly over the past few years, involving high profile and revered leaders within the Charismatic movement and the NAR. With this exposure comes a multitude of responses and emotions. How do we navigate these waters?Join Dave Jenkins and me as we discuss this important topic.Dave Jenkins' Resources:https://servantsofgrace.org/https://www.youtube.com/@ServantsofgraceMy info:Website: http://www.lovesickscribe.comSubscribe to my blog here: http://eepurl.com/dfZ-uHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesickscribe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovesickscribeblog

John invites Catherine to share her story of joining the Jesus Movement in the early 1970s and becoming trapped in a nomadic, authoritarian group led by Jim Roberts. Together, they explore how radical obedience, perfectionism, and apocalyptic urgency slowly replaced faith in Christ with fear-driven loyalty to leadership. As the conversation unfolds, John and Catherine connect these patterns to broader charismatic and revivalist movements, showing how fear, isolation, and leader-mediated obedience function as tools of control. The discussion offers insight for anyone trying to understand spiritual abuse, deconstruction, and how high-control religious systems reshape belief, identity, and relationships. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962  Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K  ______________________ - Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham  - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Does a focus on acknowledging trauma and providing safety create more resilient or fragile people? That question is at the heart of many charged discussions about therapy and trauma work. Virtually every contemporary therapeutic modality recognizes the impact trauma has on our current struggles. But many people feel it's too much focus, and that the result is people who can't handle anything difficult and who call "trauma" on everything that's hard in life.Chuck DeGroat has a lot to say about this. He has been a pastor, and is currently a therapist, author, and seminary professor (Western Theological Seminary) who specializes in pastoral & leadership health, abuse & trauma, and navigating spiritual & emotional obstacles on the faith journey.Chuck is the author of multiple books, including When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse and Healing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself and to God When You're Weary, Wounded, and Wandering. He also authors a Substack page (Sit With Chuck), and a recent post is the subject of most of our conversation.Chuck lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife. They have two grown daughters.#chuckdegroat #sitwithchuck #connection #counseling #spirituality #growth #change #therapy #healing #trauma #narcissism #sexuality #addiction #betrayaltrauma #recovery #grace #gospel #transformationChuck's personal pageSit With Chuck (Substack page, see "Safety and Suffering" posted 1/22/26)Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Western Seminary Support the showAwaken websiteRoots Retreat Men's IntensiveRoots Retreat Women's WorkshopAwaken Men & Women's support meeting info (including virtual)

Jeremiah Roberts, Andrew Soncrant, and  @CharismaticCheetah  give closer look on the recent Bethel Redding Scandal with regards to Shawn Bolz, Kris Vallotton, and Bill Johnson. Charismatic Cheetah YouTube: HERESHOP OUR MERCH: HEREPlease consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel: CultishTV.comCultish is a 100% crowdfunded ministry. 

We begin with a Bible study in Philippians 1:3–5, sharing how gratitude is a powerful spiritual and emotional calibrator in our lives. I talk about how thanksgiving helped Paul in the midst of hardship, how gratitude gently redirects us out of rumination and negativity, and how appreciation for others can fuel our prayer life and […]

Faith, hope, and love are beautiful words—but for many of us, they don't feel simple or safe. When they've been wielded to control, silence, or shame, these core concepts can carry weight, confusion, and even fear. In the wake of spiritual abuse, what once promised life can feel distorted or out of reach. Today, Dan and Rachael step tenderly and courageously into what it means to reclaim faith, hope, and love after harm.  Rather than treating faith as certainty, hope as optimism, or love as obedience, they reframe these virtues as deeply human, relational realities: faith as trust, hope as imagination for a future shaped by goodness, and love as a force grounded in honor, freedom, and delight.  Together, they name how spiritual abuse exploits fear and shame to protect power—fracturing our ability to trust ourselves, others, and even God.  Healing doesn't begin with forcing a set of dogmatic beliefs, but with safety: learning to listen to our bodies, recover discernment, and engage relationships where difference and nuance are welcomed. This conversation is for anyone longing to rediscover a faith that makes room for personhood, courage, and love that does not demand fear in return. ===== About the Allender Center Podcast: For over a decade, the Allender Center Podcast has offered honest, thoughtful conversations about the deep work of healing and transformation. Hosted by Dr. Dan Allender and Rachael Clinton Chen, MDiv, this weekly podcast explores the complexities of trauma, abuse recovery, story, relationships, and spiritual formation. Through questions submitted by listeners, stories, interviews, and conversations, we engage the deep places of heartache and hope that are rarely addressed so candidly in our culture today. Join the Allender Center Podcast to uncover meaningful perspectives and support for your path to healing and growth. At the Allender Center, we value thoughtful dialogue across a wide range of voices, stories, and lived experiences. In that spirit, our podcast features guests and hosts who may hold differing perspectives. The perspectives shared on this podcast by guests and hosts reflect their own experiences and viewpoints and do not necessarily represent the views, positions, or endorsements of the Allender Center and/or The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. Stream each episode, plus find transcripts, additional resources, and more at: theallendercenter.org/podcast To become a supporter of the Allender Center Podcast, visit: https://theallendercenter.org/2025/11/podcast-support/  

Spiritual abuse around money almost made us stop giving altogether.   We've seen manipulation from the pulpit. We've witnessed leaders mishandle funds. We've felt the tension between honoring God and distrusting institutions.   And yet… we still tithe.   In this episode, Bob and Linda have an honest, nuanced conversation about why they chose not to let other people's failures steal something God wanted to use for their freedom. This is not a legalistic defense of tithing.   It's a heart-level conversation about obedience, trust, healing, and separating God's command from human hypocrisy.   If you've ever thought: "I don't trust where the money goes" "I've seen too much abuse" "Is tithing even for today?" "I want to honor God, but I'm conflicted" This episode is for you.   Key Scriptures (NLT) Proverbs 3:9–10 — Honor the Lord with your wealth Deuteronomy 8:18 — God gives the power to create wealth Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom Luke 6:38 — Give, and it will be given to you 2 Corinthians 9 — Sowing and reaping with the right heart Matthew 23:23 — Jesus affirms tithing without legalism   Action Item for This Week Take 10 quiet minutes and pray this simple prayer: "God, what does generosity look like for me right now?" Write down what comes to mind. Don't rush it. Don't rationalize it. Just ask… and listen.   Don't let someone else's disobedience steal your opportunity to trust God.

What happens when you're the only one trying in your marriage? When your partner seems indifferent, and you're the one praying, planning, reading, learning, bending, sacrificing only to be met with silence or worse, resistance?In this episode, Natalie peels back the layers of emotional and spiritual exhaustion that come from being the only emotionally invested person in a relationship. With grace, clarity, and a no-nonsense look at reality, she answers a powerful listener question: “If I'm the only one caring, what's the point of staying?”