Ten characteristics of churches that abuse: * Abusive churches use fear, guilt and threats: 1. Control-oriented leadership 2. Manipulation of members * Abusive churches see themselves as special: 3. Spiritual elitism (e.g., dogmatism) 4. Perceived persecution * Abusive churches foster rigidity: 5. Lifestyle rigidity (e.g., legalism, performance oriented) 6. Emphasis on experience (e.g., experience of leaders is key source of truth) * Abusive churches discourage questions: 7. Suppression of dissent (e.g., dogmatism--only our view is right; "trust and obey") 8. Harsh discipline (e.g., legalism, shunning, control of dating & family relationships, etc.) * Abusive churches make leaving painful: 9. Denunciation of other churches (e.g. salvation is only through us, our brand of faith) 10. A painful exit process (shunning, humiliation, starting over in relationships and/or financially) Be on our call line tonight click on church hurts picture to get numbers
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 23:10:05 +0000
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