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Powerful Leaders?: When Church Leadership Goes Wrong And How to Prevent It
As understanding and awareness of abuse has grown, many revelations of church leaders abusing their power have come to light. How did the church get here? Is there a way we can address both individual and institutional failings to counter the misuse of power and, more importantly, prevent it in first place?
Powerful Leaders? exposes and explores how leaders are tempted away from a biblical model of leadership into illegitimate - and in the worst cases abusive - use of authority and power. Director of Living Leadership, a charity that focuses on healthy leadership and church culture, Marcus Honeysett traces how leaders move along a spectrum of healthy to unhealthy uses of power and position and offers practical wisdom for countering and preventing harmful leadership.
Drawing on his years of experience in the local church and working with leaders and congregations, Honeysett unpacks how to spot danger signs of abuse in the church and provides advice on what to do if you see or are under unhealthy leadership. He also explores why people don’t blow the whistle and encourages critical self-examination in existing leaders to ensure they maintain a healthy use of power – and offers guidance to help leaders improve their skills and move back towards healthy, biblically-based leadership.
For anyone concerned about improving safeguarding in the church, Powerful Leaders? will prove a valuable resource. It challenges and equips both those in leadership and those in a position to hold leaders accountable, and will empower them to take the necessary steps forward to create healthier church cultures in which everyone can thrive.
Powerful Leaders? exposes and explores how leaders are tempted away from a biblical model of leadership into illegitimate - and in the worst cases abusive - use of authority and power. Director of Living Leadership, a charity that focuses on healthy leadership and church culture, Marcus Honeysett traces how leaders move along a spectrum of healthy to unhealthy uses of power and position and offers practical wisdom for countering and preventing harmful leadership.
Drawing on his years of experience in the local church and working with leaders and congregations, Honeysett unpacks how to spot danger signs of abuse in the church and provides advice on what to do if you see or are under unhealthy leadership. He also explores why people don’t blow the whistle and encourages critical self-examination in existing leaders to ensure they maintain a healthy use of power – and offers guidance to help leaders improve their skills and move back towards healthy, biblically-based leadership.
For anyone concerned about improving safeguarding in the church, Powerful Leaders? will prove a valuable resource. It challenges and equips both those in leadership and those in a position to hold leaders accountable, and will empower them to take the necessary steps forward to create healthier church cultures in which everyone can thrive.
- GenresChristianLeadership
176 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2022
16 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 23, 2022
I am thankful that Marcus has written this book. We desperately needed an honest and sober look at church leadership, and this is a superb starter for 10.
Written with his usual clarity, simplicity (but never simple!), humility and Christocentric sensibility, this is a must read for all church leaders and those involved in church/mission/para church leadership of all stages.
The reason the book is so good is because Marcus has reflected over years of teaching and supporting leaders in a variety of contexts. Thus he understands the underlying problems, not just the presenting symptoms, and has an ability to consider the nuances of church leadership.
Also, he avoids 2 unhelpful things:
1, he doesn't use the term 'spiritual abuse' (explained in an appendix) - rather he uses terms that are more understandable and not open to debate (such as coercive power).
2, he wisely avoids telling the stories of scandals such as Hybels, Driscoll, Smyth, etc. This means that I cannot just go 'well, I am not them!'. Rather, by avoiding the big names, you cannot easily excuse yourself.
I need to re-read this book. I need to think through a couple of sections deeply.
I hope others will now use the same concept and language of 'the slippery slope' to teach, apply and write further and more specifically into different polities.
Written with his usual clarity, simplicity (but never simple!), humility and Christocentric sensibility, this is a must read for all church leaders and those involved in church/mission/para church leadership of all stages.
The reason the book is so good is because Marcus has reflected over years of teaching and supporting leaders in a variety of contexts. Thus he understands the underlying problems, not just the presenting symptoms, and has an ability to consider the nuances of church leadership.
Also, he avoids 2 unhelpful things:
1, he doesn't use the term 'spiritual abuse' (explained in an appendix) - rather he uses terms that are more understandable and not open to debate (such as coercive power).
2, he wisely avoids telling the stories of scandals such as Hybels, Driscoll, Smyth, etc. This means that I cannot just go 'well, I am not them!'. Rather, by avoiding the big names, you cannot easily excuse yourself.
I need to re-read this book. I need to think through a couple of sections deeply.
I hope others will now use the same concept and language of 'the slippery slope' to teach, apply and write further and more specifically into different polities.
March 9, 2022
V helpful intro, overview and framework for considering a v messy but vital subject. Thank you Marcus for serving so many of us with this.
January 3, 2023
“This is authentic, Christian leadership – encouraging, modelling, parenting, comforting, strengthening hearts in the Lord and, in our weakness, helping people to live lives worthy of God.”
February 6, 2023
Must Read
If you are in leadership in a church, you need to read this book. Convicting, balanced, insightful, and gracious. Such a helpful resource.
If you are in leadership in a church, you need to read this book. Convicting, balanced, insightful, and gracious. Such a helpful resource.
March 9, 2022
What an amazing book! Honest, detailed and amazingly relatable, this book is written with both profound challenge and heart-felt kindness.
At a time where it can feel like there's been a global domino effect of failing Christian leaders, 'Powerful Leaders?' examines clearly and concisely the 'slippery slope' that so many leaders seem to fall down. The book doesn't pull it's punches when it comes to addressing inauthentic, unfaithful and abusive leadership but offers practical advise for how to identify and respond, as well as guidance for churches and leaders for what steps can be put in place before it's too late.
Perhaps most compelling, is Marcus' compassionate heart of hope which runs throughout the book; the hope of Christ and his redemption and restoration is clearly, and again practically written into this book for both victims of failed leaders and (where possible) for failed leaders themselves.
I really feel this is a must read - there's so much to consider, learn and respond to (both for Christian leaders and non-leaders too!).
At a time where it can feel like there's been a global domino effect of failing Christian leaders, 'Powerful Leaders?' examines clearly and concisely the 'slippery slope' that so many leaders seem to fall down. The book doesn't pull it's punches when it comes to addressing inauthentic, unfaithful and abusive leadership but offers practical advise for how to identify and respond, as well as guidance for churches and leaders for what steps can be put in place before it's too late.
Perhaps most compelling, is Marcus' compassionate heart of hope which runs throughout the book; the hope of Christ and his redemption and restoration is clearly, and again practically written into this book for both victims of failed leaders and (where possible) for failed leaders themselves.
I really feel this is a must read - there's so much to consider, learn and respond to (both for Christian leaders and non-leaders too!).
May 4, 2025
As someone who has been affected by church and mission leadership gone wrong multiple times, and experienced the negative effects on whistle blowers, I found this book helpful. It helped make sense of my thoughts and understand why leaders go down this path. It reminded me of how damaging it is when church leaders abuse their power.
Marcus goes into detail about healthy biblical authority, why church leaders fail and use their power wrongly, the steps that lead towards this, examples of church abuse, and what to do about this as leaders, observers, victims, and organizations.
Marcus goes into detail about healthy biblical authority, why church leaders fail and use their power wrongly, the steps that lead towards this, examples of church abuse, and what to do about this as leaders, observers, victims, and organizations.
March 1, 2023
A thoughtful and enlightening book about the dangers of church leadership. The author divides the type of bad leader into different categories depending on severity and motive, and looks at the hallmarks of each stage, how it comes about, and what to do about it. A useful resource for self-reflection for those who have any form of leadership in their church.
March 1, 2023
A sobering, soul-searching read. Highly recommended for church leaders. A very helpful reminder of the temptations to which church leaders are susceptible. I appreciated the author avoiding both broadbrushing as well as his forthrightness in addressing true guilt.
February 23, 2022
Excellent and necessary. Much to ponder and plenty for us all to learn.
June 23, 2022
Much to reflect on, much to pray over.
November 13, 2022
Extremely important book. Needs to be read and re-read carefully and prayerfully.
January 4, 2023
The book presents a spectrum of organizational set-ups, with varying uses of authority. Leadership can be appropriate and transparent, or abusive and lacking in any proper accountability.
The title was recommended to me over dinner by a fellow pastor at a conference. To be frank, the subject didn't interest me in the least; I forced myself to read it simply on the basis that, having made such an impression on someone in a similar position to me, there must be something of value in it.
It was a good recommendation. The book confronts pastors with an awful thought: even the most sincere and godly men are highly susceptible to abusing their authority. They can drift from doing things right, to making secret decisions which they know will benefit the congregation, and all the way through the spectrum to downright self-seeking. At this last level, there's a lack of desire to deal with allegations, faulty—if any—transparency, manipulation and underhandedness "for the greater good" and so on.
These last individuals create cultures where they become untouchable. Whistle-blowers can expect hostility, closing of ranks, accusations of doing the Devil's work, ostracization and smears. Sadly, if things have gone too far with the power abuse, complainants cannot expect a good ending.
The book's use, as I see it, can be thought of as two-fold. Firstly, it's good for leaders who think themselves far removed from such a thing as misuse of authority. Pastors should recognize they're the most likely to fall into this behaviour, precisely because they have authority. The second use is to help everyone spot these dangerous trends in organizations they're a part of.
Hopefully, readers will use the information in the book to help put measures in place to kill off these behaviours before they develop. Using the book, a body like a church can create structures of accountability—including the use of outsiders. They can institute plurality in decision-making. Through these. they can have an open, wholly transparent entity. Not only will this help prevent abuses, but it'll also give reassurance to congregations and outsiders. This is, surely, a more Biblical way to operate.
The title was recommended to me over dinner by a fellow pastor at a conference. To be frank, the subject didn't interest me in the least; I forced myself to read it simply on the basis that, having made such an impression on someone in a similar position to me, there must be something of value in it.
It was a good recommendation. The book confronts pastors with an awful thought: even the most sincere and godly men are highly susceptible to abusing their authority. They can drift from doing things right, to making secret decisions which they know will benefit the congregation, and all the way through the spectrum to downright self-seeking. At this last level, there's a lack of desire to deal with allegations, faulty—if any—transparency, manipulation and underhandedness "for the greater good" and so on.
These last individuals create cultures where they become untouchable. Whistle-blowers can expect hostility, closing of ranks, accusations of doing the Devil's work, ostracization and smears. Sadly, if things have gone too far with the power abuse, complainants cannot expect a good ending.
The book's use, as I see it, can be thought of as two-fold. Firstly, it's good for leaders who think themselves far removed from such a thing as misuse of authority. Pastors should recognize they're the most likely to fall into this behaviour, precisely because they have authority. The second use is to help everyone spot these dangerous trends in organizations they're a part of.
Hopefully, readers will use the information in the book to help put measures in place to kill off these behaviours before they develop. Using the book, a body like a church can create structures of accountability—including the use of outsiders. They can institute plurality in decision-making. Through these. they can have an open, wholly transparent entity. Not only will this help prevent abuses, but it'll also give reassurance to congregations and outsiders. This is, surely, a more Biblical way to operate.
May 31, 2022
The author starts by describing the features of healthy church leadership and draws crucially on the words and demonstrated attitudes of Jesus, our King and Lord who washed feet and came to give himself.
He identifies four features as a framework for looking at healthy and unheathly leadership – accountability, plurality, transparency, and embodiment. He rightly asserts that leadership is meaningless without authority but starkly reminds us that that very necessary and appropriate authority can degrade into patterns of abuse.
I was so reassured by his recognition that in most examples there is no intentional power abuse from the start but that, through various factors, there is descent down a slippery slope. He was also, in my view, sensitive, sympathetic and realistic in his words for those who had suffered under such abuse.
His five stage transition from 1) ‘Formal authority rightly used’ to 5) ‘The most serious abuses’ was so helpful.
His emphasis on the importance of both the ‘formal legitimate authority’ (which is expressed in church rules and other written codes) and the ‘informal relational legitimate authority’ (which is an expression of that authority that arises from recognising other’s gifts) was also helpful.
It was also helpful to lay out those factors that arise internally within the leader moving him to power abuse and those external factors that arise from the community culture and expectations.
I tried to read the book without reference to our past church experiences but was unsuccessful. Repeatedly, as he listed warnings signs and evidence of progression down the slippery slope, I recognised things that I had personally witnessed.
It was beautiful to read his sensitive and realistic words addressed to victims and whistle-blowers.
His words to leaders came across to me as sensitive and worthwhile but perhaps less realistic.
His words to churches, for me returned to that combination of being sensitive and realistic.
In summary, this is an important resource for churches in general and for us to apply to our church specifically as we move forward.
He identifies four features as a framework for looking at healthy and unheathly leadership – accountability, plurality, transparency, and embodiment. He rightly asserts that leadership is meaningless without authority but starkly reminds us that that very necessary and appropriate authority can degrade into patterns of abuse.
I was so reassured by his recognition that in most examples there is no intentional power abuse from the start but that, through various factors, there is descent down a slippery slope. He was also, in my view, sensitive, sympathetic and realistic in his words for those who had suffered under such abuse.
His five stage transition from 1) ‘Formal authority rightly used’ to 5) ‘The most serious abuses’ was so helpful.
His emphasis on the importance of both the ‘formal legitimate authority’ (which is expressed in church rules and other written codes) and the ‘informal relational legitimate authority’ (which is an expression of that authority that arises from recognising other’s gifts) was also helpful.
It was also helpful to lay out those factors that arise internally within the leader moving him to power abuse and those external factors that arise from the community culture and expectations.
I tried to read the book without reference to our past church experiences but was unsuccessful. Repeatedly, as he listed warnings signs and evidence of progression down the slippery slope, I recognised things that I had personally witnessed.
It was beautiful to read his sensitive and realistic words addressed to victims and whistle-blowers.
His words to leaders came across to me as sensitive and worthwhile but perhaps less realistic.
His words to churches, for me returned to that combination of being sensitive and realistic.
In summary, this is an important resource for churches in general and for us to apply to our church specifically as we move forward.
March 24, 2022
Can a book be sensitive and yet forensic? Well, I think this one is.
Against a backdrop of church leaders making the news for all the wrong reasons, plus others still flying under the radar, Marcus' book asks penetrating questions about the power that is assigned to leaders, as well as the soft power they accrue, and the ways, both legitimate and illegitimate, in which leaders might exercise that power.
As I read it I mentally reviewed some situations I have found myself in the past and it both encouraged me for times I held the line and it challenged me to identify times I have overstepped the mark in small but conscious ways, 'for the good of the church'. But when 'the good of the church' is what I think it should be, we're on a slippery slope, one which I'm glad to say I didn't descend down. But I can see how men (for it usually is) do.
So I'm grateful for this book, for being in a church leadership of plurality, and for people who are in my life to ask me uncomfortable questions. We must be accountable and in the end that will depend upon us. Regardless of any structures we might have in place, we are all as accountable as we choose to be. Powerful Leaders? reminds me that this is not my church and that it needs to clearly recognisable as Christ's.
Against a backdrop of church leaders making the news for all the wrong reasons, plus others still flying under the radar, Marcus' book asks penetrating questions about the power that is assigned to leaders, as well as the soft power they accrue, and the ways, both legitimate and illegitimate, in which leaders might exercise that power.
As I read it I mentally reviewed some situations I have found myself in the past and it both encouraged me for times I held the line and it challenged me to identify times I have overstepped the mark in small but conscious ways, 'for the good of the church'. But when 'the good of the church' is what I think it should be, we're on a slippery slope, one which I'm glad to say I didn't descend down. But I can see how men (for it usually is) do.
So I'm grateful for this book, for being in a church leadership of plurality, and for people who are in my life to ask me uncomfortable questions. We must be accountable and in the end that will depend upon us. Regardless of any structures we might have in place, we are all as accountable as we choose to be. Powerful Leaders? reminds me that this is not my church and that it needs to clearly recognisable as Christ's.
March 14, 2022
A book that the church needs. A reflection on how the church (with similar implications for any leader) can attempt to avoid some of the many scandals involving leaders exercising emotional, spiritual and indeed, physical abuse.
Marcus helpful outlines the shifts leaders take through 5 stages until it’s abusive. He acknowledges the little decisions on the way that culminate to the point where abuse can become ‘normal’. He closes out by briefly offering ways to combat.
Challenging to all! Very much including myself as I reflect on my own leadership. Did leave feeling fearful of leadership and a gentle feeling that there’s no point in leading as you’ll just get it wrong. Maybe more encouragement in how to lead well would balance the book a little more.
Marcus helpful outlines the shifts leaders take through 5 stages until it’s abusive. He acknowledges the little decisions on the way that culminate to the point where abuse can become ‘normal’. He closes out by briefly offering ways to combat.
Challenging to all! Very much including myself as I reflect on my own leadership. Did leave feeling fearful of leadership and a gentle feeling that there’s no point in leading as you’ll just get it wrong. Maybe more encouragement in how to lead well would balance the book a little more.
October 1, 2022
One of the most helpful Christian books I've read for a long time. Instructive whether or not you are a leader - this helps Christians both protect our leaders, and be equipped to raise concerns when there are problems. It helps us to be aware of potential abuse at a very early stage.
It was insightful from a leadership perspective also - I found particularly helpful the discussion of misuse of soft power which I have seen in both the Christian and medical world, and this will help me to avoid this personally and spot it early in situations where it occurs. The church collectively has much to do to change some of the patterns this book describes.
I would recommend it for any Christian - it is not just for leaders.
It was insightful from a leadership perspective also - I found particularly helpful the discussion of misuse of soft power which I have seen in both the Christian and medical world, and this will help me to avoid this personally and spot it early in situations where it occurs. The church collectively has much to do to change some of the patterns this book describes.
I would recommend it for any Christian - it is not just for leaders.
April 15, 2022
A must for (para)church leadership teams
Very clearly set out, dealing with very difficult issues with significant wisdom and Biblical insight. A challenge to read as a leader, and important to read prayerfully with significant self reflection.
Most of all this book will be of great help to church and parachurch leadership teams. A tremendous resource to help examine your leadership culture, to ensure you are doing all you can to honour Christ as you serve him and those around you.
Very clearly set out, dealing with very difficult issues with significant wisdom and Biblical insight. A challenge to read as a leader, and important to read prayerfully with significant self reflection.
Most of all this book will be of great help to church and parachurch leadership teams. A tremendous resource to help examine your leadership culture, to ensure you are doing all you can to honour Christ as you serve him and those around you.
June 21, 2025
The book addresses the idea of leadership in the church that goes wrong, but it does so in a very balanced way. I also found myself being challenged to consider how I might be tempted to (or have fallen into) some of the traps that he mentions. I think this is a sign of a good book. On a topic where there is a lot of finger pointing at bad leaders, we need to be pushed to consider our own hearts and own leadership styles instead of focusing all our energy on the failures of other leaders. This book does a good job of that.
November 28, 2024
Immensely practical and helpful book about Christian leadership
Too many Christian leaders have abused their position.
This book gives wise, detailed and insightful advice, drawn from Scriptures and experience, how to practice leadership in a healthy way with proper safeguards.
After 40 years in public ministry I have never come across a better book on this subject.
Highly recommended.
Too many Christian leaders have abused their position.
This book gives wise, detailed and insightful advice, drawn from Scriptures and experience, how to practice leadership in a healthy way with proper safeguards.
After 40 years in public ministry I have never come across a better book on this subject.
Highly recommended.
May 17, 2023
An incredibly insightful and thoughtful book. Coercive control and asymmetrical power dynamics can exist in every level of church leadership, wolves can creep in disguised as sheep, and good hearted volunteers can slowly turn bad.
I'm definitely planning on sharing some of these insights with the rest of the team at the church that I am a part of.
I'm definitely planning on sharing some of these insights with the rest of the team at the church that I am a part of.
March 8, 2022
Not a book you’ll love reading but such a helpful book that asks churches and leaders to examine their culture, networks and practices and gauge their health or otherwise. Really helpful practically on lots of issues. Worth whole leadership teams and elderships reading and thinking through.
November 23, 2022
Not an easy read, but a necessary one. I did feel it could have done with tighter editing - as there are many repetitions, and uneccesary long and complex paragraphs. Fix that and it'd be much easier to process and think through the issues presented.
February 20, 2023
A strong book looking at how Christian leadership can become abusive, and how churches and individual leaders can ensure they have procedures and accountabilities in place to prevent these abuses ever happening. Highly recommend.
October 14, 2023
While being a quick and easy read, this is also very helpful. Marcus Honeysett maintains a measured tone throughout and manages to be fairly nuanced. Lots of food for thought and plenty of principles that can be applied more broadly than a local church context.
July 13, 2022
Really challenging book. Thoroughly recommended for all church leaders.
July 28, 2022
Vitally important book for all church leaders.
November 30, 2022
Helpful and enlightening, full of invaluable insights which are worth careful consideration. Comes with a sadness that the book needed to be written, but immensely grateful to the author that it has been.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews