Spiritual Abuse: Pastoral Theology on Mission and Ministry This paper addresses the pastoral doctrine regarding spiritual abuse. An increasing trend has been observed, of 'spiritual abuse' in the house of God, by clergymen. Such abuse entails different degrees of exploitation, manipulation, and mind control. In the past few years, numerous websites and blogs have typically highlighted the "spiritual abuse" phenomenon. The term appears to be enjoying some traction, and has entire blogs dealing with it. A stark reality is described here -- that the presence of spiritual authority within the sinful world of mankind will occasionally be accompanied by instances of abuse of this power. Spiritual abuse resembles a spiritual reversal of roles, in which a shepherd, rather than modeling himself on, and depending on, the Good Shepherd by guiding mankind (Acts 20; 1 Peter 5; 1 Timothy 3; Ephesians 4), artfully demands that mankind exist and meet his own needs (James 4:1-4). Instead of being servant leaders, pastors lord it over Christians and pull rank (Matthew 20:20-28; 1 Peter 5:1-6), for personal benefit rather than that of the people. Instead of ministering truth and grace, and speaking truly, with compassion (Ephesians 4:11-16, 29; Colossians 4:3-6; Titus 2:10-12), pastors who are spiritually abusive will bully, judge, criticize, blame and shame the sheep, with no regard for their spiritual well-being (Jeremiah 23:1-4; Matthew 23:1-39) (Challies 2011). Hence, it is imperative to establish a pastoral doctrine for appropriately taking care of traumatized victims.

From God's Word as well as church history, spiritual abuse clearly constitutes a genuine concern. One can address its scope by taking into consideration the causes underlying spiritual abuse. Firstly, it will be helpful to provide a general, scriptural description of the factors underlying...

James' work is valuable, as he raises the analytical question of what causes quarrels and fights among men (James 4:1a). The answer he provides is: The reason for quarrels and fights is man's internal desires that he yearns for but fails to grab hold of. He kills and covets, but can't acquire it. This failure is simply because he asks not from God, and even when he does, his motives are selfish. He wishes to spend that which he has acquired on his own pleasures. James asks the "adulterous" world whether it is really unaware of the fact that to be friends with this world means hatred toward the Lord. Any individual who opts for such a friendship will become God's enemy (James 4:1b-4). Conflict can always be traced in the house of God, whether pastoral/spiritual abuse of or by pastors, to mankind's adulterous heart, which desires and worships worldly things more than the Lord (Challies 2011).
One of the tell-tale indications of this form of abuse is power-posturing. Such leaders devote considerable time in emphasizing their authority to themselves and others. VanVonderen and Johnson claim this is actually needed, as clergymen's spiritual authority is unreal or postured and not based on true godly character. Practically, this may manifest itself as a church leader who enjoys reminding the congregation of his ability to excommunicate them or that all things a follower does comes from him. It is forbidden to question this leader, and he is typically not answerable to anybody. People flocking to him are generally only "yes men" doing as he orders in return for delegated power to domineer over other individuals (Leclaire 2011).

A Socio-Cultural Reflection

Increased reports have emerged of victims who experience brainwashing and manipulation by alluring con artists or Christian leaders. Some such…