The Complexity of Accountability and Deception in Church Leadership

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran, Shawn Reece, and Vicki May discuss the formula for spiritual abuse and how to recognize it before damage is done in churches. Spiritual abuse and church scandals can be prevented if the formula is identified early and addressed. They also introduce the Safe Church Pledge as a step towards preventing spiritual abuse. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Formula for Spiritual Abuse 02:14 The Formula: Power Plus Deception 09:27 Recognizing Concentrated and Unchecked Power 23:25 The Importance of Balanced Power and Stewardship 32:13 The Danger of Over-Spiritualizing Power 39:23 Questioning Leaders: A Sign of Accountability, Not Dishonor 40:22 The Role of Deception in Spiritual Abuse 53:13 Power Plus Deception: The Formula for Spiritual Abuse 56:02 Manipulating Narratives: Deception in Church Announcements 01:05:41 The Ego Factor: How Deception Arises from a Desire to Look Good 01:19:05 Using Individuals for Appearance: Deception in Diversity 01:20:51 The Connection Between Power and Deception in Spiritual Abuse 01:21:20 Manipulative Practices in Churches: Spontaneous Baptisms and Altar Calls 01:24:12 Deception in Altar Calls and Salvation Numbers 01:27:03 Deception and Self-Deception in Spiritual Abuse 01:47:27 Protecting Yourself: Asking Questions and Recognizing Signs of Power Abuse and Deception 01:49:23 Pastors: Surrounding Yourself with Accountability and Committing to Being Above Reproach 01:57:23 Introducing the Safe Church Pledge: Preventing Spiritual Abuse