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Chuck DeGroat has written a fantastic book titled, When Narcissism Comes to Church, which he unpacks for us in this episode.

Most of us who are in positions of spiritual leadership have some tendencies toward narcissism.  Many of us want to be loved and respected--and sometimes we think of ourselves as pretty awesome.

But then there are those who are truly narcissistic, who are so unhealthy that they leave a wake of misery and destruction in their ministries.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Chuck DeGroat is Professor of Pastoral Care at Western Theological Seminary and author of When Narcissism Comes to Church.
• As a young pastor, Chuck started to notice the way narcissistic pastors were preferred.
• Chuck DeGroat discusses why the church is a breeding ground for narcissism.
• The church has a strange love affair with power, despite the fact that our faith is based on the crucified One.
• Chuck DeGroat explains what he means by “healthy narcissism.”  Children, for instance, need to believe they are the center of their parents’ world.  A certain narcissism is developmentally appropriate for children at that age.
• Richard Rohr uses the language of “first half of life” and “second half of life” to refer to healthy narcissism.
• Chuck DeGroat describes how narcissism manifests itself in the church.
• Serving in a church led by a narcissist can be a traumatic experience.
• Pastors need to be “wounded healers,” as Henri Nouwen said.
• Markus shares how he has grown to care for people more than he used to.
• If you are serving under a narcissistic leader, it’s helpful to get therapy for yourself to unpack what is going on.
• Chuck DeGroat shares his own experience of spiritual growth as he has studied narcissism.
• You can find out more about Chuck DeGroat at chuckdegroat.net.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Chuck DeGroat
  • Website – www.chuckdegroat.net
• Books mentioned:
  • Narcissism in the Church, by Chuck DeGroat
  • Beyond Thingification, by Markus Watson
  • Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr
  • The Critical Journey, by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich
  • The Wounded Healer, by Henri Nouwen

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