In the Shift

Mega-close to home

Mar 8, 2023

Journalist David Farrier discusses the impact of church harm and toxicity in NZ megachurches, prompting reflections on accountability and the difficulty of leaving such communities. The host shares personal insights on addressing systemic issues and the importance of empathy and learning within communities.

39:47

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Episode guests

David Farrier

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Addressing toxic power dynamics in megachurches is crucial for transparency and accountability.

Embracing discomfort and advocating for systemic change within institutions is essential for transformative impact.

Deep dives

Reflection on Last Year's Conversations and Taking a Break

The host reflects on the intense and impactful conversations from the previous year, particularly focusing on toxic church systems and megachurch dynamics. Acknowledging the toll these discussions took, the host emphasizes the need for a longer break to reflect and find space after engaging in these profound dialogues. This pause was necessary for personal processing and to navigate the complexities of the topics that deeply resonated with many individuals. The host's return marks a reinvigorated readiness to continue exploring these critical issues.

Intro

26min

Navigating Complex Emotions Within Community Systems

5min

Reflections on addressing harm and toxicity within personal communities

9min

Episode 75: In the first episode of 2023, I (Michael) spend some time reflecting on the stories of the past year but in particular on the most recently published article by journalist David Farrier about church harm and toxicity in more NZ megachurches - a story that prominently features the church in which I spent around 13 years of my life - both as a participant, and also on staff for around 8 years. In this episode I unpack as honestly as I can the feelings that come up in this whole conversation, about what it feels like to speak publicly about a community that I once helped to build, about the long-term relational impact, and about why I think we need to hold people and communities/systems to account - especially when they are closer to us. All of this feeds into some reflections on why it continues to be so muddled and conflicted for so many people, why it's so hard for members to leave and/or move on, and why it's the inability to hear, empathise, listen and learn that become the most problematic features of these organisations.

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