The Remnant Radio's Podcast Grooming in the Church: What It Is & How to Stop It
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Sep 19, 2025 Dr. Natalie Atwell, a licensed mental health therapist and consultant to churches, shines a light on the hidden issue of grooming in church environments. She defines grooming tactics and differentiates them from healthy mentorship, while highlighting red flags like emotional dependency and isolation. The discussion covers the dangers of power dynamics and the harmful CEO model in church leadership. Dr. Atwell also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding practices and supporting victims to foster a safe church culture.
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Grooming Defined As Manipulative Elevation
- Grooming manipulates someone into believing they uniquely need a leader's guidance.
- The leader trims away boundaries to make the person dependent on their voice.
Power Dynamic Distinguishes Grooming From Sin
- Sexual sin by leaders isn't always grooming; power dynamics matter.
- Grooming requires exploitation of authority that removes real consent.
Ask Diagnostic Questions About Grooming
- Ask targeted questions if you suspect grooming, like whether special attention was given and other authorities were undermined.
- Use the answers to those focused questions to judge whether manipulation and isolation occurred.
