Toxic Churches: Restoration from Spiritual Abuse

by Marc Dupont

Spiritual abuse devastates its victims perhaps more than any other form of violation, because it targets those who are most unprepared and vulnerable. In Toxic Churches, Marc Dupont reaches out to those who have given their time, money, and talents to the Body of Christ, only to find themselves hurting, frustrated, and confused. He also writes to Christian leaders who may have inadvertently hurt the flock of God entrusted to their care.

This book explores all aspects of spiritual abuse in the church. With care and tenderness, Dupont offers help and hope to those caught in abusive situations-people who might even be blaming themselves. He provides a healing balm to those with residual pain from past abuse. And he warns those engaging in abusive behavior, flagging telltale signs of warped and broken patterns. Those who have been used or abused by church leaders will find a deeper understanding of God's healing grace-both for themselves and for those who hurt them.

Genres: Church, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[И~N · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was one of the nicest Christian books I've red so far!
The author investigates the symptoms of growing abusive atmosphere, which a congregation of believers or its pastor(s) could acquire in the course of time. He takes a closer look in the psychological and spiritual preconditions (unhealed emotions, complexes and not overcome emotional and/or spiritual traumas) which could and almost certainly would develop into a manipulative features of the leader, thus poisoning not only the whole atmosphere of the church, but also causing serious damage to many individuals in this church. On the other hand, M. Dupont is not at all condemning - quite on the contrary, through the whole book the reader is presented to the immeasurable forgiveness of God, His way to rebuilt the broken vessels, the power of repentance and forgiveness which are the way to the Heavenly healing God is calling all of us to.

[Rock Rockwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is too often that Christians who: 1. love their church, 2. are dedicating long hours to their church, 3. and being used by God to see significant Kingdom advancement unfortanately will have their church leadership slander, abuse, and destroy them over 'other' agendas. This book is an amazing help to people who have been burned by their "shepherds" instead of being loved by them. It will help the abused deal with their hurt, read about other case studies, address issues biblically, and realize why their lives are so devestated. Hopefully the result leaves the reader with the ability to see they are not alone and that Christ is their Head and His Spirit is their comforter through such difficult times as these.

[Kim Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.....again...a book worth reading...really brought healing to my life...