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When the Church Harms God's People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded
Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg has come face to face with the crushing trauma of sexual abuse, trafficking, domestic abuse, and rape—and its cover-up.
Even more tragic, she has encountered it all within Christian communities and the church.
As a highly respected trauma scholar and psychologist working in the United States and around the world for more than fifty years, she envisions a better way.
In When the Church Harms God's People, Langberg unveils what she has learned about how churches cause harm and why Christian communities often foster unhealthy leaders who end up hurting rather than protecting God's people. She also offers hope for the future, describing how churches can reflect Christ not just in what they teach but also in how they care for themselves and others.
This book is an invaluable tool for leaders and laypeople alike who want to help the church resist abuses of power and become a safe place for survivors.
Even more tragic, she has encountered it all within Christian communities and the church.
As a highly respected trauma scholar and psychologist working in the United States and around the world for more than fifty years, she envisions a better way.
In When the Church Harms God's People, Langberg unveils what she has learned about how churches cause harm and why Christian communities often foster unhealthy leaders who end up hurting rather than protecting God's people. She also offers hope for the future, describing how churches can reflect Christ not just in what they teach but also in how they care for themselves and others.
This book is an invaluable tool for leaders and laypeople alike who want to help the church resist abuses of power and become a safe place for survivors.
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Published November 12, 2024
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About the author
Diane Langberg
30 books185 followersDr. Diane Langberg is a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 35 years of working with trauma survivors and clergy. She speaks internationally on topics related to women, trauma, ministry and the Christian life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 15, 2024
I absolutely agree with the overall message of this book and am grateful for Diane Langberg’s prophetic voice, expertise, and important work in the world. That said, I found the book to be a bit repetitive and thought it could have been edited down substantially.
The main point that she expounds upon throughout is summed up in this quote: “Protecting all vulnerable people should be part of a church’s DNA. When abuse is alleged or exposed, the church is called to tend the lambs, not the institution or system. Covering up sin—or a crime—is failing to make God’s priority our own. We honor him by caring for the wounded, dragging abuse into the light, often at great cost, and calling it by its right name.”
This is an important message, but as someone who is already on board with this point, I found myself wanting more from the book; it seemed like she made the same point from different angles but didn’t delve too deeply into what should be done in a practical sense or what larger systems are at play in creating these cultures of abuse.
I disagree with the theological premises for some of her arguments (substitutionary penal atonement, an overemphasis on sin nature, etc), though that theology is to be expected from an evangelical author (I assume she’s evangelical?). I do appreciate her call for Christians to be like Christ, exposing abuse and caring for the most vulnerable among us.
*Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy of this book!
The main point that she expounds upon throughout is summed up in this quote: “Protecting all vulnerable people should be part of a church’s DNA. When abuse is alleged or exposed, the church is called to tend the lambs, not the institution or system. Covering up sin—or a crime—is failing to make God’s priority our own. We honor him by caring for the wounded, dragging abuse into the light, often at great cost, and calling it by its right name.”
This is an important message, but as someone who is already on board with this point, I found myself wanting more from the book; it seemed like she made the same point from different angles but didn’t delve too deeply into what should be done in a practical sense or what larger systems are at play in creating these cultures of abuse.
I disagree with the theological premises for some of her arguments (substitutionary penal atonement, an overemphasis on sin nature, etc), though that theology is to be expected from an evangelical author (I assume she’s evangelical?). I do appreciate her call for Christians to be like Christ, exposing abuse and caring for the most vulnerable among us.
*Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy of this book!
July 31, 2025
If you’ve not read much about abuse, particularly abuse that has occurred in the church, this is a good, short introduction to how abuse continues in the system of a local church or denomination.
The book is NOT giving next steps either for the church or for survivors. That’s not the focus of the book.
If you’ve read other books on abuse by the author or heard her teach, you’ve likely gotten much of this content already.
I appreciate Langberg’s dedication to caring for abuse survivors, her commitment to the truth, and her counseling expertise.
The book is NOT giving next steps either for the church or for survivors. That’s not the focus of the book.
If you’ve read other books on abuse by the author or heard her teach, you’ve likely gotten much of this content already.
I appreciate Langberg’s dedication to caring for abuse survivors, her commitment to the truth, and her counseling expertise.
January 3, 2025
Diane Langberg tells the story of visiting Cape Coast Castle in Ghana on Africa’s west coast. During the centuries of trans-Atlantic slavery, countless Africans were trafficked through that outpost on their way to the New World.
Standing with Langberg’s group in the dungeon that once held enslaved males awaiting deportation, the guide pointed up and asked, “Do you know what is above the dungeon?” No one knew, so the guide said, “The chapel.”
This revelation stunned Langberg. “The people in the chapel were numb to the horrific trauma and suffering beneath them,” she writes. Her guide stated the problem more forcefully: “Heaven above; hell below.”
With this visual parable in mind, Langberg asks, “Have we not done something similar in preserving systems — our churches and Christian organizations — while the little ones and the abused are destroyed?”
Unfortunately, the answer in far too many cases is, “Yes.” One need only read the news, filled as it is with stories of church abuse, to acknowledge the truth that some shepherds have become wolves.
Langberg knows this truth up close from 50 years of clinical psychological practice helping people recover from trauma. In 2013, she co-founded Global Trauma Recovery Institute, which trains therapists to help trauma victims around the world.
A sentence at the end of Chapter 1 sums up the book’s message:
"If it is true that our God came in the flesh to the brokenhearted, the small, the afflicted, the ruined, and the vulnerable, then the truth needs to be lived out in our flesh and blood — yours and mine — so that the world might know that he, full of love and justice and truth, is real."
Justice as incarnation and mission were inseparable for Jesus, so they are inseparable for the Church. Who we are and how we live work together to demonstrate the truth of our message, the gospel.
By the same token, however, if who we are and how we live do not harmonize with what we say, then our deeds cast doubt upon our words. The hypocrisy of some sectors of American Christianity explains, in part, why some Americans have left faith behind.
So, what should we do?
The answer, if I could summarize Langberg’s thesis in one word, is Christlikeness. If Jesus didn’t harm people, neither should we. If Jesus helped people, so should we.
To help readers become Christlike, Langberg examines the roles that power, culture, self-deception, and systemic deception play in generating abusive systems. She explores how repentance and forgiveness lead to healthier churches and ministries. And she speaks directly to the victims of abuse and the pastors of local churches.
As a minister reviewing this book primarily for readers who themselves are ministers, I want to conclude by focusing on Langberg’s advice to pastors. “Incarnational leadership means that the character of God is persistently manifested in our lives,” she writes.
How often do we lose sight of this truth in the busyness of our day-to-day routines? When a sermon has to be writ-ten or money raised or a hospital call made or the foyer vacuumed, it becomes all too easy to subordinate character development to the task at hand.
Worse, we sometimes use ministers’ results, such as increased attendance and giving, to tamp down questions about ministerial character, as if the fruit of ministry could be separated from its root.
Christlike leadership, Langberg maintains, requires the recognition of personal limitations, such as the kenosis of Philippians 2. It requires focusing on the state of our internal spirituality, not just our external accomplishments. It means a willingness to die to self, rather than lording power over others. And it manifests itself in a humility to wash others’ feet.
I recommend pastors and other church leaders read When the Church Harms God’s People. It is a cry of the heart from a faithful Christian who longs for churches to manifest Christlikeness and heal God’s hurting people.
BOOK REVIEWED
Diane Langberg, When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2024).
Standing with Langberg’s group in the dungeon that once held enslaved males awaiting deportation, the guide pointed up and asked, “Do you know what is above the dungeon?” No one knew, so the guide said, “The chapel.”
This revelation stunned Langberg. “The people in the chapel were numb to the horrific trauma and suffering beneath them,” she writes. Her guide stated the problem more forcefully: “Heaven above; hell below.”
With this visual parable in mind, Langberg asks, “Have we not done something similar in preserving systems — our churches and Christian organizations — while the little ones and the abused are destroyed?”
Unfortunately, the answer in far too many cases is, “Yes.” One need only read the news, filled as it is with stories of church abuse, to acknowledge the truth that some shepherds have become wolves.
Langberg knows this truth up close from 50 years of clinical psychological practice helping people recover from trauma. In 2013, she co-founded Global Trauma Recovery Institute, which trains therapists to help trauma victims around the world.
A sentence at the end of Chapter 1 sums up the book’s message:
"If it is true that our God came in the flesh to the brokenhearted, the small, the afflicted, the ruined, and the vulnerable, then the truth needs to be lived out in our flesh and blood — yours and mine — so that the world might know that he, full of love and justice and truth, is real."
Justice as incarnation and mission were inseparable for Jesus, so they are inseparable for the Church. Who we are and how we live work together to demonstrate the truth of our message, the gospel.
By the same token, however, if who we are and how we live do not harmonize with what we say, then our deeds cast doubt upon our words. The hypocrisy of some sectors of American Christianity explains, in part, why some Americans have left faith behind.
So, what should we do?
The answer, if I could summarize Langberg’s thesis in one word, is Christlikeness. If Jesus didn’t harm people, neither should we. If Jesus helped people, so should we.
To help readers become Christlike, Langberg examines the roles that power, culture, self-deception, and systemic deception play in generating abusive systems. She explores how repentance and forgiveness lead to healthier churches and ministries. And she speaks directly to the victims of abuse and the pastors of local churches.
As a minister reviewing this book primarily for readers who themselves are ministers, I want to conclude by focusing on Langberg’s advice to pastors. “Incarnational leadership means that the character of God is persistently manifested in our lives,” she writes.
How often do we lose sight of this truth in the busyness of our day-to-day routines? When a sermon has to be writ-ten or money raised or a hospital call made or the foyer vacuumed, it becomes all too easy to subordinate character development to the task at hand.
Worse, we sometimes use ministers’ results, such as increased attendance and giving, to tamp down questions about ministerial character, as if the fruit of ministry could be separated from its root.
Christlike leadership, Langberg maintains, requires the recognition of personal limitations, such as the kenosis of Philippians 2. It requires focusing on the state of our internal spirituality, not just our external accomplishments. It means a willingness to die to self, rather than lording power over others. And it manifests itself in a humility to wash others’ feet.
I recommend pastors and other church leaders read When the Church Harms God’s People. It is a cry of the heart from a faithful Christian who longs for churches to manifest Christlikeness and heal God’s hurting people.
BOOK REVIEWED
Diane Langberg, When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2024).
P.S. This article first appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Called to Serve and was published online at InfluenceMagazine.com.
P.P.S. If you like my review, please click "Helpful" on my Amazon review page.
May 27, 2025
Absolutely wonderful. Diane Langberg has done it again. This was a wonderful call towards transparency in the church. There has been so much abuse across all denominations. Diane does not shy away from mentioning names and organizations that have been lead by men who chose to harm the sheep they’d been called up to lead and protect. She is bold and unwavering in her stance on repentance and accountability.
She gives an extensive explanation of the web of self deception involved in those who abuse the people of God. It was fascinating to read and then see that self deception spoken about in scripture. I so appreciate the last chapter of this book. She speaks so clearly about how to self reflect on your own tendency towards silencing those who have been hurt or even hurt them yourselves. Every pastor, church leader, volunteer, and of course counselor needs to read this book.
She gives an extensive explanation of the web of self deception involved in those who abuse the people of God. It was fascinating to read and then see that self deception spoken about in scripture. I so appreciate the last chapter of this book. She speaks so clearly about how to self reflect on your own tendency towards silencing those who have been hurt or even hurt them yourselves. Every pastor, church leader, volunteer, and of course counselor needs to read this book.
January 24, 2025
Wow wow wow wow wow. Excellent. Highly highly recommend
July 18, 2024
It's difficult to imagine being Diane Langberg, one of the earliest and most respected trauma scholars to focus her energies on the evangelical world. Having been in the field for more than 50 years, Dr. Langberg has become a trusted voice in the areas of post-traumatic stress disorder related to traumas such as sexual abuse, human trafficking, domestic abuse, and rape and the oft-acknowledged tendency of many of our smaller and larger institutions to cover these things up.
With "When the Church Harms God's People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded," Dr. Langberg begins the journey toward imagining a different way for faith communities, particularly Christian faith communities, to stop causing harm and start being the sanctuary they have always been intended to be.
Dr. Langberg has long been a compassionate and knowledgeable voice in faith communities and institutions where far too often churches have caused harm and unhealthy leaders have hurt rather than protect and support those they lead. Dr. Langberg is far from alone in providing a strong presence for hope within evangelical communities, though she is a rare voice to weave together a tapestry of both expertise and hopeful presence.
With "When the Church Harms God's People," Dr. Langberg provides more of a fundamental glimpse inside these concerns and how churches can change their paths and begin toward a journey better reflecting Christ. Dr. Langberg is far less prescriptive here than I'd hoped, hopeful generalities offering encouragement toward a different way but very little in the way of actual guidance toward how to get there.
Perhaps part of the problem is that this is a field I have been around much of my adult life, though not as a psychologist and not specifically to the evangelical community (NOTE: While Dr. Langberg talks very little about her own faith journey, her undergraduate degree is from my home state's Taylor University - one of the nation's oldest evangelical universities. Given this fact and her chosen language, I am assuming a more evangelical literary lens here). Much of "When the Church Harms God's People" feels very basic to me, the sort of discourse that feels as if it's culled from a keynote discourse rather than as a deep dive into the extensively documented world of abusive religion and the leaders who perpetuate it. From Jerry Sandusky to the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Langberg provides an extended glimpse into the problem and points toward a solution much like that friendly fellow you meet in rural America who offers up directions by saying "It's over yonder past the Stop-and-Go. Take a right, you'll see it on your left."
This isn't a bad approach, despite my cheeky sarcasm. It's a necessary approach for those gingerly beginning the process of addressing difficult issues that tap into greatest vulnerabilities of what it means to be human. However, in my case, I suppose, I was hoping for much more and was hoping for deeper clinical insights, greater organizational observations, and a more prescribed genuine path toward a different way specifically targeted toward organizations that continue to resist. As a resident in the city where the latest national SBC convention was held. I can assure you that the resistance to this message is still strong.
I guarantee you there will be SBC leaders, all men, who resist Dr. Langberg's entire message because she doesn't have a penis.
So, while "When the Church Harms God's People" isn't quite the book I'd hoped it would be and didn't really add much into my own personal and pastoral toolbox, it's an encouraging and valuable "101" journey into the needed topic of how churches cause, perpetuate, and then refuse to address religious trauma and those who've experienced it. For those who've grown weary of church leaders using Jesus's name to hide behind their dysfunctions and abusive behaviors, "When the Church Harms God's People" is a place to begin the discussions and look toward a different way.
With "When the Church Harms God's People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded," Dr. Langberg begins the journey toward imagining a different way for faith communities, particularly Christian faith communities, to stop causing harm and start being the sanctuary they have always been intended to be.
Dr. Langberg has long been a compassionate and knowledgeable voice in faith communities and institutions where far too often churches have caused harm and unhealthy leaders have hurt rather than protect and support those they lead. Dr. Langberg is far from alone in providing a strong presence for hope within evangelical communities, though she is a rare voice to weave together a tapestry of both expertise and hopeful presence.
With "When the Church Harms God's People," Dr. Langberg provides more of a fundamental glimpse inside these concerns and how churches can change their paths and begin toward a journey better reflecting Christ. Dr. Langberg is far less prescriptive here than I'd hoped, hopeful generalities offering encouragement toward a different way but very little in the way of actual guidance toward how to get there.
Perhaps part of the problem is that this is a field I have been around much of my adult life, though not as a psychologist and not specifically to the evangelical community (NOTE: While Dr. Langberg talks very little about her own faith journey, her undergraduate degree is from my home state's Taylor University - one of the nation's oldest evangelical universities. Given this fact and her chosen language, I am assuming a more evangelical literary lens here). Much of "When the Church Harms God's People" feels very basic to me, the sort of discourse that feels as if it's culled from a keynote discourse rather than as a deep dive into the extensively documented world of abusive religion and the leaders who perpetuate it. From Jerry Sandusky to the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Langberg provides an extended glimpse into the problem and points toward a solution much like that friendly fellow you meet in rural America who offers up directions by saying "It's over yonder past the Stop-and-Go. Take a right, you'll see it on your left."
This isn't a bad approach, despite my cheeky sarcasm. It's a necessary approach for those gingerly beginning the process of addressing difficult issues that tap into greatest vulnerabilities of what it means to be human. However, in my case, I suppose, I was hoping for much more and was hoping for deeper clinical insights, greater organizational observations, and a more prescribed genuine path toward a different way specifically targeted toward organizations that continue to resist. As a resident in the city where the latest national SBC convention was held. I can assure you that the resistance to this message is still strong.
I guarantee you there will be SBC leaders, all men, who resist Dr. Langberg's entire message because she doesn't have a penis.
So, while "When the Church Harms God's People" isn't quite the book I'd hoped it would be and didn't really add much into my own personal and pastoral toolbox, it's an encouraging and valuable "101" journey into the needed topic of how churches cause, perpetuate, and then refuse to address religious trauma and those who've experienced it. For those who've grown weary of church leaders using Jesus's name to hide behind their dysfunctions and abusive behaviors, "When the Church Harms God's People" is a place to begin the discussions and look toward a different way.
September 26, 2025
I’ll read just about anything Langberg writes. She is a gift to the church and continues to declare truth without denying hope in the process.
I find myself agreeing with others who already mentioned this felt like more of an introductory book. The subtitle shaped my expectations and had me thinking there would be more practical takeaways. There are many great gems sprinkled throughout the book (the chapter on self deception was very good.) but this is probably not the most helpful if you are looking for action steps to implement in your church community.
I find myself agreeing with others who already mentioned this felt like more of an introductory book. The subtitle shaped my expectations and had me thinking there would be more practical takeaways. There are many great gems sprinkled throughout the book (the chapter on self deception was very good.) but this is probably not the most helpful if you are looking for action steps to implement in your church community.
August 6, 2025
This was an excellent read. It gave narrative to real experiences that have occurred in the church. I’m thankful for wise individuals that have courage and bravery to call out the issues that need to be addressed.
June 11, 2025
I so appreciate Dr Langburg’s experience and empathy for those she’s worked with. Her heart truly breaks for the harm that’s been done, and that is clearly evident in her book.
This book reads more like a book of lament and grief, the author recounting numerous patient encounters and public scandals to emphasize her point, but I found the book to lack what the title suggests, a way forward.
It was extremely repetitive, and as someone who was already in agreement with the fact that church abuse exists and needs to be addressed, it felt like she wasted a lot of time and paper convincing her readers of the very thing that prompted them to pick the book up to begin with. It wasn’t until the last couple chapters that she hinted at changes that should be made, and even then, the suggestions were not as practical as I had hoped for. Some important points are made, but overall the book was much too long for the amount of information shared.
This book reads more like a book of lament and grief, the author recounting numerous patient encounters and public scandals to emphasize her point, but I found the book to lack what the title suggests, a way forward.
It was extremely repetitive, and as someone who was already in agreement with the fact that church abuse exists and needs to be addressed, it felt like she wasted a lot of time and paper convincing her readers of the very thing that prompted them to pick the book up to begin with. It wasn’t until the last couple chapters that she hinted at changes that should be made, and even then, the suggestions were not as practical as I had hoped for. Some important points are made, but overall the book was much too long for the amount of information shared.
September 2, 2024
Diane Langberg’s When the Church Harms God’s People is a profoundly insightful and deeply reflective examination of the tragic reality of abuse within the Christian church. Drawing on her extensive experience as a psychologist, Langberg addresses the heartbreaking truth that the very institutions meant to be sanctuaries can sometimes become places of profound harm. Through her book, she offers not only a pathway for healing but also a compelling call for the church to return to its true mission of embodying Christ’s love, justice, and truth.
Chapter 1: Encountering Sickness in the Body of Christ
Langberg begins by sharing her experiences as a psychologist, detailing the profound suffering she has witnessed in those harmed by the church. She underscores the long and difficult journey toward healing from the damage of abuse, highlighting the church's failure to be the salt and light it is called to be when it covers up evil, abuse, and violence. This chapter sets the stage for the critical examination of how the church must confront its failures to fulfill its mission.
Chapter 2: What the Church Is Called to Be
In this chapter, Langberg explores the true calling of the church, emphasizing that it must reflect the character of Christ. She reminds readers that the church is meant to be the embodiment of Christ’s character and that any deviation from this likeness is a betrayal of its mission. Langberg also critiques the church's obsession with external success, noting that true fruitfulness lies not in fame, wealth, or large numbers, but in living out the humble and servant-hearted example set by Jesus.
Chapter 3: Wolves, Sheep, and Shepherding
Langberg warns of the dangers posed by wolves in the church—leaders who exploit the vulnerable instead of protecting them. She vividly illustrates the deceptive nature of such individuals, noting that false prophets may appear as sheep but behave like wolves. The true measure of a leader, Langberg argues, is not found in their words but in the integrity of their life, urging discernment in evaluating those who hold positions of authority in the church.
Chapter 4: Examining Culture in the Light of Christ
In this chapter, Langberg challenges readers to critically examine the culture within the church and asks whether it truly reflects Christ’s teachings. She calls out the church's failure when it becomes a source of harm rather than a place of refuge, stressing the importance of vigilance against the lies and self-deception that can take root within Christian communities.
Chapter 5: Self-Deception
Langberg delves into the concept of self-deception within the church, showing how it leads to complicity in abuse. She discusses how wolves, who know how to disguise themselves as shepherds, gain access to vulnerable sheep, and warns of the ease with which people can deceive themselves, often justifying harmful actions in the name of religious duty. This chapter serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and self-righteousness.
Chapter 6: Systemic Deception
This chapter addresses how deception can become entrenched within church systems, leading to widespread harm. Langberg describes systemic deception as insidious, often masquerading as righteousness, and critiques the church's tendency to ignore its own sins while pointing fingers at the world. She calls for deep introspection and systemic reform to address these issues effectively.
Chapter 7: Systemic Abuse within Christendom
Langberg argues that abuse is often not an isolated incident but a symptom of larger systemic issues within the church. She critiques the misplaced priorities that lead to harm, noting that when the institution becomes more important than the people it serves, abuse becomes inevitable. This chapter is a powerful call to re-examine the structures and practices that perpetuate harm within the church.
Chapter 8: Repentance and Forgiveness
In this chapter, Langberg explores the complexities of repentance and forgiveness in the context of church abuse. She emphasizes that true repentance involves not only sorrow for wrongdoing but also a complete turning away from harmful behaviors and the systems that support them. Forgiveness, she explains, is not about excusing or forgetting abuse, but about releasing the victim from the power it holds over them, allowing for true healing to begin.
Chapter 9: A Message to Victims
Langberg offers words of hope and encouragement to victims of church abuse, assuring them that their pain is seen, known, and cared for by God. She emphasizes that while healing is possible, it is a journey that requires time, support, and the acknowledgment of the truth. This chapter is a comforting and affirming reminder to victims that they are not alone in their suffering.
Chapter 10: A Message to Shepherds
This chapter is a direct address to church leaders, urging them to take their responsibility to care for their flock seriously. Langberg challenges leaders to protect the sheep entrusted to them rather than exploiting them for personal gain. She reminds them that failing to care for the sheep is a grave failure in their duty to God and to the church.
Chapter 11: A More Excellent Way
In the final chapter, Langberg presents a compelling vision for the church to follow Christ more faithfully. She calls for the church to return to its true calling of reflecting Christ’s love, justice, and truth in the world. Langberg concludes with a powerful call to action, insisting that it is not enough to acknowledge the harm; the church must actively work to repair the damage and prevent future abuse.
Concluding Assessment
When the Church Harms God’s People is an essential read for anyone involved in Christian ministry, church leadership, or counseling. It is particularly valuable for those who have experienced or witnessed abuse within the church, offering both a diagnosis of the problem and a path toward healing. Langberg’s deep compassion, coupled with her unflinching honesty, makes this book a crucial resource for understanding and addressing the complexities of abuse in religious settings.
Who Should Read This Book?
Church Leaders and Pastors: To gain insight into how church systems can cause harm and to learn how to foster healthier, more Christ-like communities.
Victims of Church Abuse: For encouragement, understanding, and guidance on the path to healing.
Christian Counselors and Therapists: To better support clients who have been harmed by the church and to understand the systemic issues at play.
Laypeople: For anyone who wants to understand the darker aspects of church life and be part of the solution to prevent and address abuse.
Should You Purchase It? Yes, this book is a critical addition to the library of anyone who cares about the integrity of the church and the well-being of its members. Langberg’s insights are invaluable for anyone seeking to ensure that the church is a place of refuge and healing rather than harm.
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
Chapter 1: Encountering Sickness in the Body of Christ
Langberg begins by sharing her experiences as a psychologist, detailing the profound suffering she has witnessed in those harmed by the church. She underscores the long and difficult journey toward healing from the damage of abuse, highlighting the church's failure to be the salt and light it is called to be when it covers up evil, abuse, and violence. This chapter sets the stage for the critical examination of how the church must confront its failures to fulfill its mission.
Chapter 2: What the Church Is Called to Be
In this chapter, Langberg explores the true calling of the church, emphasizing that it must reflect the character of Christ. She reminds readers that the church is meant to be the embodiment of Christ’s character and that any deviation from this likeness is a betrayal of its mission. Langberg also critiques the church's obsession with external success, noting that true fruitfulness lies not in fame, wealth, or large numbers, but in living out the humble and servant-hearted example set by Jesus.
Chapter 3: Wolves, Sheep, and Shepherding
Langberg warns of the dangers posed by wolves in the church—leaders who exploit the vulnerable instead of protecting them. She vividly illustrates the deceptive nature of such individuals, noting that false prophets may appear as sheep but behave like wolves. The true measure of a leader, Langberg argues, is not found in their words but in the integrity of their life, urging discernment in evaluating those who hold positions of authority in the church.
Chapter 4: Examining Culture in the Light of Christ
In this chapter, Langberg challenges readers to critically examine the culture within the church and asks whether it truly reflects Christ’s teachings. She calls out the church's failure when it becomes a source of harm rather than a place of refuge, stressing the importance of vigilance against the lies and self-deception that can take root within Christian communities.
Chapter 5: Self-Deception
Langberg delves into the concept of self-deception within the church, showing how it leads to complicity in abuse. She discusses how wolves, who know how to disguise themselves as shepherds, gain access to vulnerable sheep, and warns of the ease with which people can deceive themselves, often justifying harmful actions in the name of religious duty. This chapter serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and self-righteousness.
Chapter 6: Systemic Deception
This chapter addresses how deception can become entrenched within church systems, leading to widespread harm. Langberg describes systemic deception as insidious, often masquerading as righteousness, and critiques the church's tendency to ignore its own sins while pointing fingers at the world. She calls for deep introspection and systemic reform to address these issues effectively.
Chapter 7: Systemic Abuse within Christendom
Langberg argues that abuse is often not an isolated incident but a symptom of larger systemic issues within the church. She critiques the misplaced priorities that lead to harm, noting that when the institution becomes more important than the people it serves, abuse becomes inevitable. This chapter is a powerful call to re-examine the structures and practices that perpetuate harm within the church.
Chapter 8: Repentance and Forgiveness
In this chapter, Langberg explores the complexities of repentance and forgiveness in the context of church abuse. She emphasizes that true repentance involves not only sorrow for wrongdoing but also a complete turning away from harmful behaviors and the systems that support them. Forgiveness, she explains, is not about excusing or forgetting abuse, but about releasing the victim from the power it holds over them, allowing for true healing to begin.
Chapter 9: A Message to Victims
Langberg offers words of hope and encouragement to victims of church abuse, assuring them that their pain is seen, known, and cared for by God. She emphasizes that while healing is possible, it is a journey that requires time, support, and the acknowledgment of the truth. This chapter is a comforting and affirming reminder to victims that they are not alone in their suffering.
Chapter 10: A Message to Shepherds
This chapter is a direct address to church leaders, urging them to take their responsibility to care for their flock seriously. Langberg challenges leaders to protect the sheep entrusted to them rather than exploiting them for personal gain. She reminds them that failing to care for the sheep is a grave failure in their duty to God and to the church.
Chapter 11: A More Excellent Way
In the final chapter, Langberg presents a compelling vision for the church to follow Christ more faithfully. She calls for the church to return to its true calling of reflecting Christ’s love, justice, and truth in the world. Langberg concludes with a powerful call to action, insisting that it is not enough to acknowledge the harm; the church must actively work to repair the damage and prevent future abuse.
Concluding Assessment
When the Church Harms God’s People is an essential read for anyone involved in Christian ministry, church leadership, or counseling. It is particularly valuable for those who have experienced or witnessed abuse within the church, offering both a diagnosis of the problem and a path toward healing. Langberg’s deep compassion, coupled with her unflinching honesty, makes this book a crucial resource for understanding and addressing the complexities of abuse in religious settings.
Who Should Read This Book?
Church Leaders and Pastors: To gain insight into how church systems can cause harm and to learn how to foster healthier, more Christ-like communities.
Victims of Church Abuse: For encouragement, understanding, and guidance on the path to healing.
Christian Counselors and Therapists: To better support clients who have been harmed by the church and to understand the systemic issues at play.
Laypeople: For anyone who wants to understand the darker aspects of church life and be part of the solution to prevent and address abuse.
Should You Purchase It? Yes, this book is a critical addition to the library of anyone who cares about the integrity of the church and the well-being of its members. Langberg’s insights are invaluable for anyone seeking to ensure that the church is a place of refuge and healing rather than harm.
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
March 30, 2025
As other reviewers wrote, this book seemed to repeat a lot of the author’s other work. Nevertheless, I am grateful for Diane Langberg's prophetic voice. She boldly shines light into dark corners and humbly invites God's people to address what they see there.
August 11, 2025
For those who have eyes to see, the evidence is all over the news, in documentaries, blogs, TikToks, and other forms of media: a lot of churches who have prioritized protecting the institution and its leaders over the well-being of its members.
There are many forces at work who would try to suppress or diminish this reality. But God sees, and His judgment will not be idle.
Dr. Diane Langberg has been at the forefront of care and concern for those who have been mistreated by churches and their systems. She has written well regarding the situation in When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded (galley received as part of early review program).
This book is very personal; the author began by explaining her work and why she wrote the book, and aspects of her story are interspersed throughout the book. She addresses how sickness comes upon the body of Christ in the various forms of abuse, neglect, and trauma which are inflicted upon members. She considers instead what the church is called to be by its Lord Jesus. She reckons with leaders in terms of being shepherds and what happens when those who shepherd instead prey on the flock like wolves. She encourages appropriate consideration of church culture and culture in general in terms of Jesus and what He accomplished. She grapples with deception, both in terms of how we deceive ourselves and systemic levels of deception. She also considers systemic abuse within churches individually and in more collective forms, as denominations and Christendom writ large. She considers what repentance and forgiveness with accountability should look like. She concludes with particular messages to those who have suffered abuse from churches, to shepherds leading churches, and pointing forward in the way of Christ.
This book is unfortunately very necessary because of all the various forms of abuse of authority and abuse of people which takes place in churches, however consciously or deliberately. All those active in any kind of leadership in churches should certainly grapple with it; those who have been mistreated in church contexts might well find support and strength in its pages.
Her exhortations remain quite Biblical, and one should seriously question the motives of anyone who would cast aspersions on her work and message. Not a few times has God condemned shepherds who did not appropriately care for the flock but fleeced them and preyed upon them instead. We still have far too many people blindly loyal to leaders and institutions, and Jesus is not glorified or honored by any of it. May we all strive to exercise authority responsibly in the name of Jesus, and well love and receive one another in Christ as He has commanded us to do.
There are many forces at work who would try to suppress or diminish this reality. But God sees, and His judgment will not be idle.
Dr. Diane Langberg has been at the forefront of care and concern for those who have been mistreated by churches and their systems. She has written well regarding the situation in When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded (galley received as part of early review program).
This book is very personal; the author began by explaining her work and why she wrote the book, and aspects of her story are interspersed throughout the book. She addresses how sickness comes upon the body of Christ in the various forms of abuse, neglect, and trauma which are inflicted upon members. She considers instead what the church is called to be by its Lord Jesus. She reckons with leaders in terms of being shepherds and what happens when those who shepherd instead prey on the flock like wolves. She encourages appropriate consideration of church culture and culture in general in terms of Jesus and what He accomplished. She grapples with deception, both in terms of how we deceive ourselves and systemic levels of deception. She also considers systemic abuse within churches individually and in more collective forms, as denominations and Christendom writ large. She considers what repentance and forgiveness with accountability should look like. She concludes with particular messages to those who have suffered abuse from churches, to shepherds leading churches, and pointing forward in the way of Christ.
This book is unfortunately very necessary because of all the various forms of abuse of authority and abuse of people which takes place in churches, however consciously or deliberately. All those active in any kind of leadership in churches should certainly grapple with it; those who have been mistreated in church contexts might well find support and strength in its pages.
Her exhortations remain quite Biblical, and one should seriously question the motives of anyone who would cast aspersions on her work and message. Not a few times has God condemned shepherds who did not appropriately care for the flock but fleeced them and preyed upon them instead. We still have far too many people blindly loyal to leaders and institutions, and Jesus is not glorified or honored by any of it. May we all strive to exercise authority responsibly in the name of Jesus, and well love and receive one another in Christ as He has commanded us to do.
January 7, 2025
In my opinion, Langberg was one of the first voices to raise the alarm about abuse and harm within churches, but she may not necessarily be the best in addressing these issues comprehensively. Her writing is passionate and firmly grounded in Scripture, but it tends to be repetitive and doesn’t offer much in terms of practical solutions to these problems. Langberg is a prophet, boldly proclaiming that there is a problem, but she is not an organizational leader with detailed strategies for fixing it.
The core issue she highlights is the church’s tendency to disbelieve those who have been harmed. Instead of supporting victims, churches often "circle the wagons" to protect the institution. This creates a significant hurdle for victims, who, recognizing that their cries for help may be minimized or ignored, often choose to leave the church rather than confront their harm. In her chapter “A Message to Victims,” Langberg passionately exhorts those who have been hurt to find the courage to stay and speak out about what has happened to them. It is a chapter full of empathy that could deeply resonate with someone who feels unseen.
Langberg labels this core issue as “deception.” In chapter 5, she tells a convicting story about a group of elders trying to discern whether a pastor’s behavior qualifies as verbal abuse. During their discussion, one elder blurts out, “I yell at my kids all the time. How is this different?” Langberg uses this moment to explain how self-deception operates. She points out that we often minimize the wrongdoings of others because we don’t want to confront our own. Courageously and directly, she tells the elder, “You need to repent of the verbal abuse of your kids so that you can address the abuse perpetrated by this pastor.” I admire her bravery and clarity in addressing such situations.
Langberg continues this theme in chapters 7 and 8, where she describes the deceptions employed by institutions—and even by Christendom as a whole—that silence victims and allow harm to persist. This section on deception is the most compelling part of the book, offering a sobering and convicting perspective on the systemic issues that enable abuse, and providing a useful resource for a good elder board discussion.
The core issue she highlights is the church’s tendency to disbelieve those who have been harmed. Instead of supporting victims, churches often "circle the wagons" to protect the institution. This creates a significant hurdle for victims, who, recognizing that their cries for help may be minimized or ignored, often choose to leave the church rather than confront their harm. In her chapter “A Message to Victims,” Langberg passionately exhorts those who have been hurt to find the courage to stay and speak out about what has happened to them. It is a chapter full of empathy that could deeply resonate with someone who feels unseen.
Langberg labels this core issue as “deception.” In chapter 5, she tells a convicting story about a group of elders trying to discern whether a pastor’s behavior qualifies as verbal abuse. During their discussion, one elder blurts out, “I yell at my kids all the time. How is this different?” Langberg uses this moment to explain how self-deception operates. She points out that we often minimize the wrongdoings of others because we don’t want to confront our own. Courageously and directly, she tells the elder, “You need to repent of the verbal abuse of your kids so that you can address the abuse perpetrated by this pastor.” I admire her bravery and clarity in addressing such situations.
Langberg continues this theme in chapters 7 and 8, where she describes the deceptions employed by institutions—and even by Christendom as a whole—that silence victims and allow harm to persist. This section on deception is the most compelling part of the book, offering a sobering and convicting perspective on the systemic issues that enable abuse, and providing a useful resource for a good elder board discussion.
December 7, 2024
I really appreciated this book. I'll be going through it a few more times. I deeply respect Diane Langberg's approach to this topic. She says that one thing that can help you to learn how to identify abusive tendencies, is to start learning how to identify those tendencies in ourselves. We are each at risk of becoming abusive, and we do each harm each other in smaller ways. When we learn how to recognize those ways in which we can be harmful to other, we can have our eyes opened to start seeing those tendencies in others.
There are several books being published along these lines (ie., Bully Pulpit and others). Unfortunately, the books are necessary. When we study and learn what abuse looks like, we are better prepared to humbly learn how to address abuse that may be happening in our churches (whether in our elders, or in our Sunday school leader, etc). Sadly, we just haven't even been trained to know how to recognize it, and or even accept that it can happen in church contexts. I do hope more and more congregations will become well-acquainted with this topic, and learn how to humbly care for victims and abusers (and even learn how to address issues before abuse begins).
There are several books being published along these lines (ie., Bully Pulpit and others). Unfortunately, the books are necessary. When we study and learn what abuse looks like, we are better prepared to humbly learn how to address abuse that may be happening in our churches (whether in our elders, or in our Sunday school leader, etc). Sadly, we just haven't even been trained to know how to recognize it, and or even accept that it can happen in church contexts. I do hope more and more congregations will become well-acquainted with this topic, and learn how to humbly care for victims and abusers (and even learn how to address issues before abuse begins).
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October 16, 2025Even though I've seen a lot from Dr. Langberg online over the past several years, when I first started reading, I thought this book was going to be more about church abuse than the church's complicity in abuse and harm. Even though I haven't personally experienced the harms she's described here, it was still very well done and compelling. I certainly want to be a part of the bettering of the church universal that will act more like Jesus and protect people, and an experience with a friend who was abused was a fundamental shift in my own faith journey. Seeing the reactions and responses of the church leadership who knew what had been going on opened my eyes to how much people would rather deny the truth than do the hard thing that's better in the long run (even for the abuser, which I greatly appreciate Dr. Langberg stated so clearly, as that was a huge point of contention with me and the pastors who acted like my friend's husband had just made mistakes and moving on was the best thing to do).
July 22, 2025
Very good and very digestible. While definitely focusing on very extreme forms of abuse committed from the pulpit, she also makes space for all to examine the reserves and ways they may be prone to causing Har to others. In all of this Dr. Langberg is extremely pastoral in tone, desiring healing for victims, the church, the world, and even abusers. Her tone is absolutely amazing and embodies the shepherding she is talking about throughout the book as she explores the meaning, identity, and role of shepherds, sheep, and the church. Her tone surrounding sheep as animals needing protection was particularly inspiring.
I also specifically appreciated her take on what it means to live incarnationally, as it differed slightly but in a profound way from how I had previously heard it discussed, particularly in missions spaces.
I also specifically appreciated her take on what it means to live incarnationally, as it differed slightly but in a profound way from how I had previously heard it discussed, particularly in missions spaces.
December 19, 2024
Diane Langberg is an expert in trauma caused by churches. For years she has been calling out abuse in various churches, abuse that the churches themselves continue to deny. In this book she calls the church to repentance and to become the safe place they should be. "Protecting all vulnerable people should be part of a church's DNA. When abuse is alleged or exposed, the church is called to tend the lambs, not the institution or system. Covering up sin—or a crime—is failing to make God’s priority our own. We honor him by caring for the wounded, dragging abuse into the light, often at great cost, and calling it by its right name.”
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
I’ve read and listened to Diane Langberg for a while now. I didn’t find this book to contain much that I hadn’t already heard or read. However, I think for someone just becoming aware of abuse in Christian environments, this book is a great place to start. It is not a long or complicated read - very accessible to the average person.
One thing I really appreciated was Diane’s reminder that any of us can be susceptible to the sin of treating someone else less than. Abuse doesn’t just happen. It is a gradual series of choices to treat someone as less than an image bearer of Christ and hardening our hearts and not repenting. We all must humbly examine ourselves.
One thing I really appreciated was Diane’s reminder that any of us can be susceptible to the sin of treating someone else less than. Abuse doesn’t just happen. It is a gradual series of choices to treat someone as less than an image bearer of Christ and hardening our hearts and not repenting. We all must humbly examine ourselves.
September 21, 2024
Diane’s experience of care among the hardest and darkest stories is unparalleled. However this is not the book I hoped for, nor as helpful as other previous works. Some of her assessments of unhealthy leaders and church structures were convicting and insightful. Her anecdotal experience is par none. But I did not experience a careful and conclusive argument in this book. I wish I could pick and choose rating portions of this book, because some of it was really excellent and much of it was just ok.
November 25, 2024
So grateful that Diane Langberg focuses on exposing rather than ignoring or covering up evil deeds done within Church leadership. Resisting abuse, pursuing truth and caring for the wounded as the cover of her wonderful book states is what is greatly needed in any place claiming God’s Holy Name. The best way to rid anyone or anything of any sin is exposure (confession in the open) and repentance. Her book speaks clearly to this great need. I am thankful. 🙂
March 25, 2025
I really want to give this four stars because I love Langberg's work. However, there is much overlap with some of her other works that I thought were better. That being said, her chapter "Systemic Deception" and illustration of "a body that doesn't follow its head is desperately sick" is worth the price of the book. If you're involved in church leadership and haven't read any of Langberg's other works, this will be a fantastic book.
February 28, 2025
Diane Langberg’s most recent book is a must read for all who are associated in a Christian organization. She does not hesitate to name names and organizations who have abused women, and have not come forth with honesty.
She truly is a light that helps all search and reflect on their own lives. I have heard her speak, and I admire her humble and powerful messages.
Excellent book.
Life changing.
She truly is a light that helps all search and reflect on their own lives. I have heard her speak, and I admire her humble and powerful messages.
Excellent book.
Life changing.
April 2, 2025
This book, for me, reads more like an impassioned call for churches to recognze and address abuse that a guide for how to do so. There is a lot of Scripture in the book but some of it may be somewhat out of context, adressing the author's current concerns and not the message to the original readers of the biblical text.
May 6, 2025
Another good book from Dr. Langberg, nothing earth shattering, or mind blowing, but just solid steady reflections on abuse in the church and what it says about us. I also found it interesting that, although this seems to be exceedingly rare, there are a small number of white reformed evangelicals who are even willing to call it like it is, so for that, I'm thankful for Dr. Langberg.
July 16, 2025
This is an absolute must read for anyone leading in a faith space. With over 50 years of experience, Diane Langberg brings compassion for victims as well as a call to shepherds to truly embody Christ as they engage the vulnerable.
October 31, 2025
“If the enemy of our souls can appear as an angel of light, then surely an evil human, being who is in fact mimicking him, can appear well-clothed, theologically articulate, and beautiful to the human eye.”
Be careful! Our enemies are called “sheep in wolves’ clothing” for a very good reason!
Be careful! Our enemies are called “sheep in wolves’ clothing” for a very good reason!
December 26, 2024
Outstanding!
December 28, 2024
I so appreciate Langberg's life-work in calling out abusive men/Christian systems and helping those who have been harmed to find healing. She's clear and authoritative.
January 9, 2025
Possibly one of her best books. The chapters on repentance and self deception alone are worth the cost of the book. As always you cannot read her books without looking inward first!
May 3, 2025
Stunning and sobering.
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